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

What are the definitions of “get around to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Finally manage to do something, make the effort to do something.

  It always takes me ages to GET AROUND to replying to letters.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get around to is to finally find the time or motivation to do something that has been delayed or postponed. It often implies that the task or activity has been put off for some time.

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

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

Example

I need to get around to cleaning the garage.

Example

She always gets around to doing her homework eventually.

Example

He is getting around to fixing the leaky faucet.

Example

Last weekend, they finally got around to painting the living room.

Example

I haven't gotten around to calling the plumber yet.

What kind of phrasal verb is “get around 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.)

Intransitive verb

“get around to” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

I'll get around to it eventually.

Example

She never got around to finishing the book.

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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 around 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

I'll get around to it eventually.

Example

She never got around to finishing the book.

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

Get around to something

Finally find the time or motivation to do a task or activity that has been delayed or postponed.

Example

I've been meaning to read that book, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.

Good things to know

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

Get around to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

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

Synonyms

• finally do
• find time for
• manage to do
• make an effort to do
• attend to
• deal with

Antonyms

• procrastinate
• delay
• postpone
• neglect
• ignore
• put off