Differences between get at and get to
Get at usually means to imply or suggest something indirectly, while get to generally means to arrive at a destination or to start doing something.
Meanings and Definitions: get at vs get to
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 to
- 1Annoy, irritate.
Don't let her GET TO you; she's just in a bad mood.
- 2Arrive.
When I GET TO it, I'll look at the matter carefully.
- 3Start discussing a topic.
We asked him to GET TO the point, but he just waffled away.
- 4Have the opportunity to do something.
Last June I GOT TO visit Stonehenge.
Usage Examples: get at, get to 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 to
Example
I will get to the office by 9 am.
Example
She always gets to work early.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get at
To suggest or indicate something without stating it directly.
Example
His tone of voice implied that he was not happy with the decision.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get to
To begin or start something.
Example
The meeting will commence at 10 am sharp.
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 “to”
Differences in get at vs get to: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get at or get to?
In daily conversation, people use get to more often than get at. This is because get to is used for more common activities such as arriving at a place or starting a task. 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 to is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get at and get to
Get at and get to 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 to
The tone of get at and get to can differ based on context. Get at often carries a subtle or suggestive tone when related to implying something indirectly, while get to typically has a practical and straightforward tone, especially when referring to arriving at a destination or starting a task.
