What does the phrasal verb “get back together” mean?

What are the definitions of “get back together”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Restart a relationship.

  We split up a few months ago but GOT BACK TOGETHER last week.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get back together”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get back together is to restart a romantic relationship after a breakup or separation. It means that two people who were once in a relationship have decided to give their relationship another chance.

What are the different verb forms of “get back together”?

Root Verb	get back together
Third Person Singular Present	gets back together
Present Participle	getting back together
Simple Past	got back together
Past Participle	gotten back together

Example

After a short break, they decided to get back together.

Example

She always gets back together with her ex-boyfriend after a fight.

Example

They are getting back together after spending some time apart.

Example

They got back together after realizing they still loved each other.

Example

They had gotten back together several times before finally ending their relationship.

What kind of phrasal verb is “get back together”?

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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 back together” 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

They got back together after a few months apart.

Example

She got back together with her ex-boyfriend last week.

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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 back together” 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

They got back together after a few months apart.

Example

She got back together with her ex-boyfriend last week.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get back together”?

Get the band back together

Reunite a group of musicians or performers who had previously disbanded.

Example

The members of the band decided to get back together for a reunion tour.

Get back in touch

Reestablish contact or communication with someone after a period of not being in contact.

Example

After many years, they got back in touch and became friends again.

Get back on track

Return to the correct or intended course of action after a deviation or setback.

Example

After a difficult year, she managed to get back on track with her career.

Good things to know

Does “get back together” have an informal or formal tone?

Get back together is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, but it can also be used in more formal settings, such as in written communication or professional discussions, depending on the specific context.

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

Synonyms

• reunite
• rekindle
• mend
• revive
• renew
• reconcile
• patch up
• make up

Antonyms

• separate
• split
• divorce
• end
• dissolve
• disband
• break up
• terminate