What are the definitions of “get by on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Manage on a certain amount of money.
It's hard to GET BY ON my salary.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get by on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get by on is to manage or survive with a certain amount of money or resources. It often implies that the amount is limited or barely enough to meet one's needs.
What are the different verb forms of “get by on”?
| Root Verb | get by on |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets by on |
| Present Participle | getting by on |
| Simple Past | got by on |
| Past Participle | gotten by on |
Example
I can get by on a small budget while traveling.
Example
She gets by on her part-time job income.
Example
They are getting by on their savings during the job search.
Example
He got by on very little money when he was a student.
Example
We have gotten by on limited resources in the past.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get by on”?
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 by on” 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 gets by on her salary.
Example
They get by on a tight budget.
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 on” 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 gets by on her salary.
Example
They get by on a tight budget.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get by on”?
Good things to know
Does “get by on” have an informal or formal tone?
Get by on 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, such as discussing finances or budgeting.
