Differences between get at and get in
The main difference between get at and get in is that get at means to reach or access something, often with difficulty or effort, while get in means to enter a place or vehicle.
Meanings and Definitions: get at vs get in
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Get at
- 1Criticise.
His boss is always GETTING AT him for arriving late.
- 2Mean
What do you think she's GETTING AT? I've no idea what she wants.
- 3Be able to reach, find, access.
It's on the top shelf and I can't GET AT it.
- 4Use threats, payments, bribes, etc, to affect someone's testimony or decision.
The gangsters GOT AT the jury, who found them not guilty of all charges despite the evidence presented in court.
Get in
- 1Arrange for someone to do a job in your home, workplace, etc.
The air conditioning has broken down; we'll have to GET a technician IN to fix it.
- 2Arrive ( train, plane, etc. ).
Her plane GETS IN at 2am our time.
- 3Arrive home.
She didn't GET IN till well after twelve o'clock because she'd been out for a few drinks with her mates.
- 4Enter a car or taxi.
The taxi pulled up and we GOT IN.
- 5Buy or obtain supplies, like food.
We need to GET some coffee IN; we're completely out.
- 6Arrive at work, school, home.
I GOT IN late today because the train broke down.
- 7Enter a building or place.
I borrowed her pass to GET IN.
- 8Be elected.
The government GOT IN with a very small majority.
- 9Manage to say or do.
I couldn't GET a word IN throughout the meeting.
- 10Be admitted to a university, club, etc.
He did badly in the entrance exam and didn't GET IN.
- 11Bring inside a place.
It's raining; I'd better GET the washing IN.
- 12Submit, apply.
We have to GET the forms IN by the end of this week.
- 13Pay for drinks.
He GOT the drinks IN.
Usage Examples: get at, get in in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
get at
Example
His boss is always getting at him for arriving late.
Example
She gets at her brother for not doing his chores.
get in
Example
I always get in the car from the passenger side.
Example
She gets in the taxi and goes to the airport.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get at
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get in
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Differences in get at vs get in: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get at or get in?
In daily conversation, people use get in more often than get at. This is because get in is used for more common situations such as entering a car or a building. Get at is not used as much, but it can be used when we're talking about accessing something that's hard to reach. So, while both phrases are used, get in is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get at and get in
Get at and get in 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 at and get in
The tone of get at and get in can differ based on context. Get at often carries a frustrated or determined tone when related to accessing something difficult, while get in typically has a practical and casual tone, especially when referring to entering a place or vehicle.
