What are the definitions of “get into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Become involved or interested.
She's been GETTING INTO dance music recently.
- 2Become involved in something bad or criminal.
He GOT INTO drugs when he was at university.
- 3Be accepted or admitted.
She did well and GOT INTO Cambridge University.
- 4Become or be accepted as a member.
He GOT INTO the first team for football.
- 5Start a habit or way of acting or behaving.
It took me ages to GET INTO driving on the left.
- 6Be small enough to wear something.
I couldn't GET INTO the boots; they were too tight.
- 7Criticise.
He GOT INTO me for doing it badly.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get into is to become involved or interested in something. It can refer to developing a new hobby, starting a new activity, or becoming passionate about a particular subject.
What are the different verb forms of “get into”?
| Root Verb | get into |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets into |
| Present Participle | getting into |
| Simple Past | got into |
| Past Participle | gotten into |
Example
She wants to get into photography as a hobby.
Example
He gets into trouble often at school.
Example
They are getting into yoga to improve their flexibility.
Example
I got into cooking during the lockdown.
Example
She had gotten into painting before she moved away.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get into”?
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 into” 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
He got into trouble at school.
Example
She got into a prestigious university.
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 into” 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
He got into trouble at school.
Example
She got into a prestigious university.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get into”?
Good things to know
Does “get into” have an informal or formal tone?
Get into is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, when discussing academic achievements or professional accomplishments, get into can have a more formal tone.
