Differences between get at and get through
Get at usually means to imply or suggest something indirectly, while get through generally means to complete a task or to communicate successfully with someone.
Meanings and Definitions: get at vs get through
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 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: get at, get through 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 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 Get at
To suggest or hint at something negative or unpleasant in an indirect way.
Example
He was trying to insinuate that I was responsible for the missing files, but I had nothing to do with it.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get through
finish up
To complete the remaining tasks or activities.
Example
I need to finish up this report before the deadline tomorrow.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Phrasal Verbs with “at”
Phrasal Verbs with “through”
Differences in get at vs get through: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get at or get through?
In daily conversation, people use get through more often than get at. This is because get through is used for more daily tasks and routines such as finishing work or talking to someone on the phone. Get at is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about implying something indirectly. So, while both phrases are used, get through is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get at and get through
Get at 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 get at and get through
The tone of get at and get through can differ based on context. Get at often carries a suspicious or accusatory tone when related to implying something indirectly, while get through typically has a determined and focused tone, especially when referring to completing a task or communicating effectively.
