What are the definitions of “get back at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Take revenge.
I'll GET BACK AT her for landing me in trouble.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get back at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get back at is to take revenge or retaliate against someone for something they have done. It is often used when someone wants to make another person feel the same way they did when they were hurt or wronged.
What are the different verb forms of “get back at”?
| Root Verb | get back at |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets back at |
| Present Participle | getting back at |
| Simple Past | got back at |
| Past Participle | gotten 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.
Example
She is getting back at her ex-boyfriend by dating his best friend.
Example
He got back at his coworker for stealing his lunch.
Example
She had gotten back at her sister for breaking her favorite toy.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get back 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 back 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
He got back at his friend for lying to him.
Example
She got back at her boss by quitting her job.
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 back 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
He got back at his friend for lying to him.
Example
She got back at her boss by quitting her job.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get back at”?
Good things to know
Does “get back at” have an informal or formal tone?
Get back at is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written communication. In more formal contexts, words like 'retaliate' or 'avenge' can be used instead.
