What are the definitions of “get at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get at is to criticize someone or something. It is often used when someone is being repeatedly criticized or nagged about something, usually in a negative way.
What are the different verb forms of “get at”?
| Root Verb | get at |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets at |
| Present Participle | getting at |
| Simple Past | got at |
| Past Participle | gotten at |
Example
His boss is always getting at him for arriving late.
Example
She gets at her brother for not doing his chores.
Example
He is getting at his friend for not studying enough.
Example
Yesterday, she got at her coworker for not finishing the report on time.
Example
He had gotten at his roommate for not cleaning the kitchen.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get at”?
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 at” 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 at her brother for not doing his chores.
Example
He got at his friend for not studying enough.
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 at” 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 at her brother for not doing his chores.
Example
He got at his friend for not studying enough.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get at”?
Good things to know
Does “get at” have an informal or formal tone?
Get at is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, it is better to use alternative phrases such as 'criticize,' 'reach,' or 'access,' depending on the specific context.
