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What does the phrasal verb “get by with” mean?

What are the definitions of “get by with”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

  • 1Have enough of something to do the job.

    We should be able to GET BY WITH three PCs, but four would be better.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get by with”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get by with is to have just enough of something to manage or complete a task. It means that you can do the job with the resources you have, but having more might be better or more comfortable.

What are the different verb forms of “get by with”?

Root Verbget by with
Third Person Singular Presentgets by with
Present Participlegetting by with
Simple Pastgot by with
Past Participlegotten by with

Example

We can get by with the food we have in the pantry.

Example

She gets by with her old car, but she would like a new one.

Example

They are getting by with the limited resources they have.

Example

Last year, we got by with a smaller budget.

Example

He has gotten by with minimal sleep during exam week.

What kind of phrasal verb is “get by with”?

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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.)

Transitive verb

“get by with” 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

We can get by with the supplies we have.

Example

She got by with her old computer for years.

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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 by with” 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

We can get by with the supplies we have.

Example

She got by with her old computer for years.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get by with”?

Get by on

To manage with a limited amount of something, such as money or food.

Example

He gets by on a small salary, but he's happy with his job.

Get by without

To manage or survive without something.

Example

We can get by without air conditioning, but it would be more comfortable with it.

Good things to know

Does “get by with” have an informal or formal tone?

Get by with 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.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “get by with”?

Synonyms

  • manage with
  • make do with
  • cope with
  • survive with
  • suffice with

Antonyms

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