What are the definitions of “get out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave the house to visit place and socialise.
She doesn't GET OUT much now she has her baby.
- 2Become known when people want it to remain secret.
The truth GOT OUT despite the injunction on reporting the case.
- 3Leave a place, escape.
The dog GOT OUT because I left the door open.
- 4Remove something from where it is stored to use it.
I GOT the car OUT so that we could load up the suitcases.
- 5Remove dirt or something unwanted.
I spilled some red wine on my carpet and can't GET the stains OUT.
- 6Publish, make available for the public to see or buy.
We have to GET the report OUT by the end of the month.
- 7Say what you want when it is difficult.
He was so upset he couldn't GET the words OUT.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get out is to leave a place or escape from a situation. For example, it can mean leaving the house to go somewhere, escaping from a place, or expressing a desire for someone to leave.
What are the different verb forms of “get out”?
| Root Verb | get out |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets out |
| Present Participle | getting out |
| Simple Past | got out |
| Past Participle | gotten out |
Example
I need to get out of the house for a while.
Example
She gets out of the office every day for lunch.
Example
He is getting out of the car right now.
Example
They got out of the meeting early.
Example
The news has gotten out about their engagement.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get out”?
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 out” 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 got out the old photo albums from the attic.
Example
He got the car out of the garage.
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 out” 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 got out the old photo albums from the attic.
Example
He got the car out of the garage.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get out”?
Good things to know
Does “get out” have an informal or formal tone?
Get out is a phrasal verb that is used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be found in written English, such as in newspapers or books. However, in very formal writing or speeches, it might be replaced with more formal verbs such as 'depart', 'exit', or 'leave'.
