What does the phrasal verb “get out of” mean?

What are the definitions of “get out of”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Avoid doing something you dislike.

  I said I wasn't feeling well and GOT OUT OF the extra work.

• 2. Leave a car, van, etc..

  We GOT OUT OF the taxi and paid the driver.

• 3. Stop a regular activity or habit.

  If you GET OUT OF a routine, it can be hard to start again.

• 4. Make someone confess or tell the truth.

  The police couldn't GET any information OUT OF him.

• 5. Make someone give something to you.

  Did you GET a refund OUT OF the travel agency?

• 6. Derive pleasure or benefit from something.

  She's GETTING a lot OUT OF her university course.

• 7. Help someone avoid doing something.

  I GOT him OUT OF having to work at the weekend.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get out of is to avoid doing something that you don't want to do. For example, it can mean avoiding extra work, escaping a boring meeting, or not going to a party you don't want to attend.

What are the different verb forms of “get out of”?

Root Verb	get out of
Third Person Singular Present	gets out of
Present Participle	getting out of
Simple Past	got out of
Past Participle	gotten out of

Example

I managed to get out of the meeting by saying I had another appointment.

Example

She always gets out of doing the dishes.

Example

He is getting out of his responsibilities by pretending to be sick.

Example

Yesterday, they got out of the boring party early.

Example

He has gotten out of many difficult situations with his quick thinking.

What kind of phrasal verb is “get out of”?

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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 out of” 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 of doing the laundry.

Example

He got the truth out of her.

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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 out of” 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 of doing the laundry.

Example

He got the truth out of her.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get out of”?

Get out of hand

Something becomes difficult to control

Example

The party got out of hand when too many people showed up.

Get out of bed on the wrong side

To be in a bad mood

Example

He must have gotten out of bed on the wrong side this morning, he's been grumpy all day.

Get out of the way

Move to avoid being hit or to clear a path

Example

She got out of the way when she saw the car coming.

Good things to know

Does “get out of” have an informal or formal tone?

Get out of is a phrasal verb with a neutral tone. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in informal and everyday speech. For example, in a formal setting, one might say 'avoid' instead of get out of.

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

Synonyms

• avoid
• escape
• evade
• dodge
• elude
• shirk
• sidestep
• circumvent
• bypass
• skirt

Antonyms

• face
• confront
• meet
• encounter
• engage
• tackle
• address
• undertake
• handle
• deal with