What are the definitions of “get through”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Contact.
I tried calling her mobile phone, but I couldn't GET THROUGH.
- 2Consume.
He GETS THROUGH two bottles of wine a day.
- 3Finish.
I'm going to take some work home because I haven't managed to GET THROUGH it all today.
- 4Succeed in an exam or test.
My car didn't GET THROUGH its inspection.
- 5Help someone or something succeed or pass a test or exam.
My teacher GOT me THROUGH the exam.
- 6Endure or deal with a difficult experience.
We will have to be careful with our money to GET THROUGH the month.
- 7Be accepted or passed ( laws, proposals, etc ).
If the proposal GETS THROUGH, it'll make things much better for us.
- 8Manage to pass.
The water GOT THROUGH the roof and damaged the carpets.
- 9Arrive.
The message didn't GET THROUGH.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get through”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get through is to finish or complete something. It can be used when talking about completing a task, finishing a piece of work, or surviving a difficult situation. For example, you might get through a book, get through a tough day at work, or get through a difficult time in your life.
What are the different verb forms of “get through”?
| Root Verb | get through |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets through |
| Present Participle | getting through |
| Simple Past | got through |
| Past Participle | gotten through |
Example
I need to get through this book before our next book club meeting.
Example
She gets through her work quickly so she can relax in the evening.
Example
He is getting through the paperwork as fast as he can.
Example
Yesterday, I got through a lot of work.
Example
I have gotten through all the tasks on my to-do list.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get through”?
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 through” 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
I got through the book in one day.
Example
She got the message through to him.
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 through” 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
I got through the book in one day.
Example
She got the message through to him.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get through”?
Good things to know
Does “get through” have an informal or formal tone?
Get through is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal writing, it might be more appropriate to use synonyms like 'complete', 'finish', or 'survive' depending on the context.
