The Magical Word “Get” Part 2: Get + Phrasal Verbs = ❤️
In the last post we reviewed a few basic uses of the English word “get”. Well, more than a few! There are tons of ways to use “get” in the English language. In this post we’ll cover using “get” in phrasal verbs. A quick reminder: a phrasal verb is a phrase that combines a verb with one or two prepositions and that functions as a verb whose meaning is different from the combined meanings of the individual words. For more review see The Ultimate Guide to Phrasal Verbs (Part One). “Get” works the same way as other verbs when transformed into phrasal verbs. The word (=verb) takes on new meanings.
Let’s dive in with some commonly used expressions. You’ll notice many of the phrasal verbs are used to express the status of a relationship, one of the reasons why they’re so integral to the English language.
get along with (someone) – have a good relationship: I get along well with my parents. (“well” functions as emphasis here)
get over (something/someone) – recover from: It is difficult to get over a divorce.
get at (someone) – to hint at something: What are you getting at? (=what do you mean?) Do you understand what I am getting at? (Used with -ing/also in other tenses)
get through to (someone) – successfully explain something: It is difficult to get through to her when she is so stubborn and just refuses to listen.
get worked up (about something) – get very angry/emotional about something: Don’t get so worked up about this.
to get someone to do something – to convince someone to do something: How did you get him to come to the party? He really didn’t want to go.
to get into an argument – start an argument: I got into an argument with my mom yesterday.
to get into something – Example a) touch a sensitive subject/topic: Let’s not get into this now. We should have time to talk about this. Example b) describing a fight/an argument: They really got into it over his mistake. They had a big fight over his mistake. Example c) to start really liking something: I got into collecting records two years ago.
Here are a few more examples. Some of these you may have heard in American crime movies!
To get away with (something) – to successfully escape from punishment after having done something bad: Example a) The bank robbers got away with their crime. They are living in Brazil now and never went to prison. Example b) How does John get away with never doing anything at work? He is so lazy, but the boss never says anything.
To get off lightly – to experience less trouble than expected: I think he got off lightly. He should have been punished more.
To get rid of (something) – remove/throw away something: I need to get rid of his old clothes.
To get out of (doing something) – avoid something you don’t want to do: How can we get out of going to this party? I really don’t want to go.
Last but not least, here are some “get” expressions describing a process, another common use:
To get used to something – make it a habit, normal: Example a) I got used to speaking French every day after a while. Example b) I am not used to getting up early, but I will get used to it. Example c) It will take some time getting used to this. Example d) It takes time getting used to something.
To get sick of something – to not like something anymore: I’m getting sick of eating oatmeal for breakfast every day.
To get a cold – (cold here is a noun). You are in the process of getting sick with a cold: Example a) I think I’m getting a cold. Example b) I got a cold = I have a cold. Example c) I got a cold last week = I had a cold last week or someone gave a cold to me last week. (depends on context) There are also expressions used when talking about temperature: It is getting cold in here. Please turn the heat up.
There are even more “get” expressions than we’ve covered here if you can believe it. For now, memorizing these phrases will take you far. You’ll be able to explain your relationships and feelings like a seasoned English speaker. If you’re getting cold, or hot, or tired, or interested in something, you’ll be able to say so with confidence!
We’ll leave you with a bonus: a number of sentences missing their “get” phrasal verbs. Can you fill in the blank with the right one?
Our sofa is really old. We need to [ ] of it.
Brad and Tom really don't [ ] with each other. They’re always arguing.
Sara won’t be joining us because she’s sick. She's still [ ] her cold.
I really [ ] when I see people mistreating defenseless animals!
If Mel thinks she's going to [ ] being late again, she's terribly mistaken!
I have a new hobby. I’m really [ ] rare coin collecting.