What are the definitions of “get away with”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not get caught, criticised or punished for doing something wrong.
Thieves GOT AWAY WITH two Picassos, which were never found.
- 2Achieve something, despite not doing it correctly or properly.
Do you think we could GET AWAY WITH using the cheaper product?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get away with”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get away with is to not get caught, criticized, or punished for doing something wrong. It often refers to someone who has done something wrong but has not faced any consequences for their actions.
What are the different verb forms of “get away with”?
| Root Verb | get away with |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets away with |
| Present Participle | getting away with |
| Simple Past | got away with |
| Past Participle | gotten away with |
Example
He tried to get away with cheating on the test.
Example
She always gets away with being late to work.
Example
They are getting away with not paying their taxes.
Example
He got away with stealing the candy from the store.
Example
They have gotten away with many crimes in the past.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get away with”?
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 away with” 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 away with cheating on the exam.
Example
He got away with not doing his homework.
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 away with” 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 away with cheating on the exam.
Example
He got away with not doing his homework.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get away with”?
Good things to know
Does “get away with” have an informal or formal tone?
Get away with is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in more formal settings depending on the context. However, in most cases, get away with is considered an informal phrasal verb used in everyday speech.
