Get expressions

Get expressions

Inseparable phrasal verbs

General

The lesson teaches a variety of expressions with get including phrasal verbs and phrasal prepositional verbs. Many of these expressions are idiomatic - you cannot guess their meaning from the words that make up the expressions, which can make them difficult to learn. 

You will learn how to use two- and three-word inseparable verbs - verbs with an object that can only come after the final particle or preposition.

verb + particle + object

• He'll never get over the disappointment.

• He'll never get over it. (NOT He'll never get it over.)

If the object is a verb, use a gerund (verb+ -ing).

• He'll never get over being embarrassed.

verb + particle + preposition + object

• Can you get out of my house?

• Can you get out of it?

If the object is a verb, use a gerund (verb + -ing).

• We are looking forward to seeing each other in classes.

Phrasal verbs and get expressions

• get off: to leave work

• get out of: to leave an enclosed vehicle, building, etc.

• get over: to get better

• get going: to start to go or mov

• get away with: to do something successfully although it is not the best way of doing it:

• get used to: to be accustomed to

• get around to: to do something you have intended for a long time

• get through: ​to use up or finish something

Complete the following exercises.

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct get expression to have the same meaning of the underlined phrase.

1. I find work parties boring. I usually try to avoid them.

• get over them

• get out of them

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct get expression to have the same meaning of the underlined phrase.

2. It takes me ages to find time to return friends' calls. I'm surprised I have any friends.

• get around to returning friends' calls

• get through returning friends' calls

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct get expression to have the same meaning of the underlined phrase.

3. If a friend tells me a lie, I never stop being upset by it. I never trust that person again.

• get over it

• get away with it

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct get expression to have the same meaning of the underlined phrase.

4. I'm not good at buying gifts for people, so I usually try to avoid criticism and buy gift cards.

• get along with buying

• get away with buying

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct get expression to have the same meaning of the underlined phrase.

5. It annoys me when friends can't make it to the end of dinner without looking at their phones.

• get through dinner

• get out of dinner