Phrasal verbs "break through" vs "get through"

Differences between break through and get through

Break through means to overcome an obstacle or barrier, while get through means to successfully complete a task or to communicate with someone.

Meanings and Definitions: break through vs get through

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Break through

  • 1Pass a barrier or obstacle.

    The crowd BROKE THROUGH the police barriers and attacked the hunters.

Get through

  • 1Contact.

    I tried calling her mobile phone, but I couldn't GET THROUGH.

  • 2Consume.

    He GETS THROUGH two bottles of wine a day.

  • 3Finish.

    I'm going to take some work home because I haven't managed to GET THROUGH it all today.

  • 4Succeed in an exam or test.

    My car didn't GET THROUGH its inspection.

  • 5Help someone or something succeed or pass a test or exam.

    My teacher GOT me THROUGH the exam.

  • 6Endure or deal with a difficult experience.

    We will have to be careful with our money to GET THROUGH the month.

  • 7Be accepted or passed ( laws, proposals, etc ).

    If the proposal GETS THROUGH, it'll make things much better for us.

  • 8Manage to pass.

    The water GOT THROUGH the roof and damaged the carpets.

  • 9Arrive.

    The message didn't GET THROUGH.

Usage Examples: break through, get through in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

break through

Example

The athlete broke through the finish line tape.

Example

The sun breaks through the clouds on a rainy day.

get through

Example

I need to get through this book before our next book club meeting.

Example

She gets through her work quickly so she can relax in the evening.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Break through

To successfully deal with or defeat a difficult problem or obstacle.

Example

After months of hard work, she finally overcame her fear of public speaking and delivered a powerful speech.

To achieve a significant discovery or progress in a particular field or area.

Example

The scientists made a breakthrough in cancer research by developing a new treatment that targets specific cells.

pierce through

To penetrate or go through something that is difficult to break or pass through.

Example

The sunlight pierced through the thick clouds and illuminated the landscape below.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get through

finish up

To complete or finish a task or activity.

Example

I need to finish up this report before the deadline tomorrow.

To successfully endure or survive a difficult situation or period of time.

Example

Despite the challenges, she managed to make it through the tough times and come out stronger.

To initiate contact or communication with someone.

Example

I'm going to reach out to my old friend and see if we can catch up over coffee.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “break”

Differences in break through vs get through: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: break through or get through?

In daily conversation, people use get through more often than break through. This is because get through is used for more common tasks such as completing a phone call or finishing a book. Break through is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about overcoming a challenge or obstacle. So, while both phrases are used, get through is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of break through and get through

Break through and get through are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of break through and get through

The tone of break through and get through can differ based on context. Break through often carries a triumphant or determined tone when related to overcoming a challenge or obstacle, while get through typically has a practical and efficient tone, especially when referring to completing a task or communicating with someone.

break through & get through: Synonyms and Antonyms

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