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Phrasal verbs "get above" vs "get behind with"

Differences between get above and get behind with

Get above means to overcome or surpass a challenge or obstacle, while get behind with means to fall behind schedule or fail to keep up with something.

Meanings and Definitions: get above vs get behind with

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Get above

  • 1Behave as if you are better or more important than others.

    She's been GETTING ABOVE HERSELF since she got promoted. ( This is normally used in progressive forms and followed by a reflexive pronoun, though' get above your station' is also used. )

Get behind with

  • 1Be late paying instalments for something..

    If you GET BEHIND WITH mortgage payments, you might lose your home.

Usage Examples: get above, get behind with in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

get above

Example

He shouldn't get above his friends just because he got a new job.

Example

She gets above her colleagues when she receives praise from the boss.

get behind with

Example

I don't want to get behind with my rent payments.

Example

She gets behind with her credit card payments every few months.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get above

rise to the occasion

To meet a challenge or situation with determination and success.

Example

Despite the difficult circumstances, she was able to rise to the occasion and complete the project on time.

overcome an obstacle

To successfully navigate and conquer a difficulty or barrier.

Example

With hard work and perseverance, he was able to overcome the obstacle of learning a new language.

surpass expectations

To exceed or go beyond what is expected or anticipated.

Example

Her performance at the competition surpassed expectations and earned her first place.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get behind with

fall behind schedule

To be delayed or lagging in completing tasks or meeting deadlines.

Example

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the project fell behind schedule and required extra time to complete.

be swamped with work

To have an overwhelming amount of work or responsibilities to manage.

Example

She was swamped with work and had to stay late at the office to catch up.

get in arrears

To fall behind in payments or debts owed.

Example

He got in arrears with his credit card payments and had to pay extra fees and interest.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “above”

Differences in get above vs get behind with: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: get above or get behind with?

In daily conversation, people use get behind with more often than get above. This is because get behind with is used for more common situations such as falling behind on work or bills. Get above is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about overcoming challenges or obstacles. So, while both phrases are used, get behind with is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get above and get behind with

Get above and get behind with 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 get above and get behind with

The tone of get above and get behind with can differ based on context. Get above often carries a positive and determined tone when related to overcoming challenges, while get behind with typically has a negative and stressed tone, especially when referring to falling behind on tasks or responsibilities.

get above & get behind with: Synonyms and Antonyms

Get above

Synonyms

  • act arrogantly
  • behave haughtily
  • be condescending
  • be pretentious
  • be snobbish
  • look down on others

Antonyms

  • be humble
  • show humility
  • be modest
  • treat others equally
  • respect others
  • be down-to-earth

Get behind with

Synonyms

Antonyms

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