What are the definitions of “get back to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Respond to a contact.
I'll GET BACK TO you as soon as I hear any news.
- 2Respond when you know the answer.
I don't know at the moment, but I will GET BACK TO you as soon as I have the information.
- 3Start doing something again after an interruption.
It took me ages to GET BACK TO sleep after the phone rang.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get back to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get back to is to respond to someone or something after a delay or interruption. It is often used when someone needs time to gather information or think about a response before replying.
What are the different verb forms of “get back to”?
| Root Verb | get back to |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets back to |
| Present Participle | getting back to |
| Simple Past | got back to |
| Past Participle | gotten back to |
Example
I will get back to you with the details later.
Example
She always gets back to her emails within a day.
Example
He is getting back to his work after a short break.
Example
Yesterday, they got back to me with the test results.
Example
I have gotten back to everyone who contacted me about the event.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get back to”?
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 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
I will get back to you with the information.
Example
She got back to her work after lunch.
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 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 will get back to you with the information.
Example
She got back to her work after lunch.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get back to”?
Good things to know
Does “get back to” have an informal or formal tone?
Get back to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in professional settings, such as in emails or meetings.
