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Phrasal verbs "get back at" vs "get back into"

Differences between get back at and get back into

Get back at means to take revenge or retaliate against someone who has wronged you, while get back into means to return to a previous activity or interest that you had stopped doing.

Meanings and Definitions: get back at vs get back into

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Get back at

  • 1Take revenge.

    I'll GET BACK AT her for landing me in trouble.

Get back into

  • 1Start doing something after stopping for some time.

    I am GETTING BACK INTO my Khmer lessons after the summer break.

  • 2Find a new enthusiasm for something.

    I lost interest for a while, but I'm GETTING BACK INTO it.

Usage Examples: get back at, get back into in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

get back at

Example

She wants to get back at her friend for spreading rumors about her.

Example

He always gets back at people who insult him.

get back into

Example

After a long break, she decided to get back into painting.

Example

He gets back into his workout routine after recovering from an injury.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get back at

take revenge on

To retaliate or seek retribution against someone who has wronged you.

Example

He wanted to take revenge on his ex-girlfriend for cheating on him.

pay someone back

To retaliate or seek revenge against someone who has wronged you.

Example

She was determined to pay her boss back for firing her unfairly.

settle the score

To get even or retaliate against someone who has wronged you.

Example

He was determined to settle the score with his rival who had humiliated him in public.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get back into

pick up where one left off

To resume an activity or interest that one had stopped doing.

Example

After a long hiatus, she decided to pick up where she left off and start playing the piano again.

rekindle one's passion

To reignite or revive one's enthusiasm or love for a particular activity or interest.

Example

After years of neglecting his art, he finally decided to rekindle his passion and start painting again.

return to one's roots

To go back to one's original interests or activities that one had abandoned or forgotten.

Example

After years of working in finance, she decided to return to her roots and pursue her childhood dream of becoming a chef.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “at”

Differences in get back at vs get back into: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: get back at or get back into?

In daily conversation, people use get back into more often than get back at. This is because get back into is used for more positive situations such as returning to a hobby or sport. Get back at is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we're talking about revenge or retaliation. So, while both phrases are used, get back into is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get back at and get back into

Get back at and get back into 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 back at and get back into

The tone of get back at and get back into can differ based on context. Get back at often carries a negative or vengeful tone when related to revenge or retaliation, while get back into typically has a positive and enthusiastic tone, especially when referring to returning to a beloved activity or interest.

get back at & get back into: Synonyms and Antonyms

Get back at

Synonyms

  • retaliate
  • avenge
  • revenge
  • pay back
  • even the score
  • settle the score
  • give someone a taste of their own medicine

Antonyms

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