What are the definitions of “get by”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Have just enough money to live on.
They're finding it increasingly difficult to GET BY since their daughter was born.
- 2Not be noticed ( problems, errors, etc ).
I had checked it, but there still were a few mistakes that didn't GET BY the editor.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get by”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get by is to have just enough money or resources to survive or manage in a situation. It often refers to living with the minimum amount of money or resources needed to meet basic needs.
What are the different verb forms of “get by”?
| Root Verb | get by |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets by |
| Present Participle | getting by |
| Simple Past | got by |
| Past Participle | gotten by |
Example
I'm not rich, but I can get by with my current salary.
Example
She gets by on a tight budget every month.
Example
They are getting by with the little they have.
Example
We got by on very little when we were students.
Example
He has gotten by with minimal resources for years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get by”?
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 by” 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
I can get by without a car.
Example
She gets by on her part-time 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 by” 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 can get by without a car.
Example
She gets by on her part-time job.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get by”?
Good things to know
Does “get by” have an informal or formal tone?
Get by is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
