What does the phrasal verb “get across to” mean?

What are the definitions of “get across to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Be convincing or make a good impression.

  How can I GET ACROSS TO my audience?

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get across to”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get across to is to communicate a message or idea effectively, so that it is understood by others. It is often used when talking about making a good impression or convincing someone.

What are the different verb forms of “get across to”?

Root Verb	get across to
Third Person Singular Present	gets across to
Present Participle	getting across to
Simple Past	got across to
Past Participle	gotten across to

Example

I need to get across to my students the importance of studying.

Example

She gets across to her audience with her engaging presentation.

Example

He is getting across to the team the new strategy.

Example

Yesterday, the teacher got across to the class the importance of teamwork.

Example

The message has gotten across to everyone in the company.

What kind of phrasal verb is “get across to”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“get across to” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She got her point across to the audience.

Example

He got the message across to his team.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“get across to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She got her point across to the audience.

Example

He got the message across to his team.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get across to”?

Get something across

To communicate a message or idea effectively, so that it is understood by others.

Example

The speaker got his point across clearly during the presentation.

Get across

To successfully communicate or convey a message.

Example

She struggled to get across her ideas during the meeting.

Get across to someone

To make someone understand or accept an idea or message.

Example

I hope I can get across to my students the importance of hard work.

Good things to know

Does “get across to” have an informal or formal tone?

Get across to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in professional contexts, such as presentations, meetings, and discussions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “get across to”?

Synonyms

• convey
• communicate
• explain
• clarify
• express
• make clear
• make understood

Antonyms

• miscommunicate
• misinterpret
• misunderstand
• confuse
• obscure
• muddle