Understanding the Phrasal Verb: How to Get Through To Others in English

Learning English phrasal verbs can be tricky, but they are essential for fluent communication. One such crucial phrasal verb is "get through to." This expression is frequently used when trying to understand someone or make yourself understood. This article will clearly explain the various meanings of "get through to," show you how to structure sentences using it, explore related phrases, and offer practice questions to solidify your learning. Let's dive in and help you get through to a better understanding of this useful phrasal verb!

Table of Contents

• What Does "Get Through To" Mean?
• Structure with "Get Through To"
• Related Phrases and Synonyms
• Practice Time!
• Conclusion

What Does "Get Through To" Mean?

Phrasal verbs are a cornerstone of idiomatic English, adding color and precision to everyday conversation. Among them, "get through to" is particularly useful and multifaceted. It primarily means to successfully make someone understand something, often after encountering some difficulty or resistance. Beyond this core meaning, "get through to" can also refer to successfully making contact with someone, especially by phone, or to advancing to a further stage in a process or competition. Understanding these different nuances is key to using "get through to" correctly and effectively in your English communication.

More: Mastering 'Get Through': Usage, Meaning, and Examples

Structure with "Get Through To"

The phrasal verb "get through to" is quite versatile, and its structure can vary slightly depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Mastering these structures will significantly improve your English communication skills, allowing you to express yourself more precisely when you want to succeed in explaining something or reaching someone. Let's explore the common meanings and their corresponding sentence patterns.

Meaning 1: To make someone understand something, often with difficulty

This is perhaps the most common and crucial usage of "get through to." It implies that there might be a barrier to understanding – perhaps the person is unwilling to listen, the concept is complex, or there are emotional obstacles. You are trying to overcome this barrier to ensure your message is received and understood.

• Structure: Subject + get through to + someone + (that + clause / about + something / with + message/idea)
  • Example 1: I tried for hours, but I just couldn't get through to him that he needed to study for his exams. (Here, "that he needed to study" is the clause explaining what needed to be understood.)
  • Example 2: It's incredibly difficult to get through to some people about the importance of environmental conservation. (Here, "about the importance..." specifies the topic.)
  • Example 3: The teacher patiently tried to get through to the students with a simpler explanation of the complex theory. (Here, "with a simpler explanation" indicates the method used.)

When you are trying to get through to someone in this sense, you are aiming for clarity, comprehension, and often, a change in their perspective or behavior. This meaning is vital for effective communication in personal relationships, education, and professional settings, especially when explaining complex ideas, giving advice, or trying to persuade someone. The effort involved in making your message understood is a key component of this meaning. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might lament, "I just can't get through to them!"

Meaning 2: To make contact with someone, especially by telephone

This meaning is quite literal and relates to establishing communication, typically after some effort, most commonly over the phone. It can also apply to other forms of remote communication where there might be an obstacle to connection.

• Structure: Subject + get through to + someone / [a place/department]
  • Example 1: I called her office several times this morning, but I couldn't get through to her; the line was always busy.
  • Example 2: After many attempts and being on hold for twenty minutes, I finally got through to the customer service department.
  • Example 3: "Were you able to get through to the emergency services?" she asked anxiously.

In this context, "get through to" often implies overcoming common obstacles like busy phone lines, poor reception, or an individual being unavailable. It's a very common phrasal verb used when discussing attempts to reach someone or a specific service. The sense of persistence is often present. For instance, you might hear someone say, "I've been trying to get through to the ticket office all day!"

Meaning 3: To reach a particular stage or level in a competition, process, or difficult period

This usage of "get through to" signifies successfully advancing, progressing, or surviving a challenging phase or series of obstacles. It implies successfully navigating a difficult situation to arrive at a new point.

• Structure: Subject + get through to + [a stage/level/period/the end]
  • Example 1: Our local football team played exceptionally well and managed to get through to the semi-finals of the championship.
  • Example 2: It was a tough and demanding exam period, but with hard work, all the students got through to the end successfully.
  • Example 3: She had a very challenging year with many personal setbacks, but she managed to get through to a more positive phase in her life.

Here, "get through to" emphasizes perseverance, resilience, and successful progression. It can be used in contexts like sports tournaments, academic challenges, stages of a project, or even overcoming personal difficulties to reach a new, often better, point. For example, one might say, "It was a difficult economic downturn, but the company got through to see better times." This use highlights the journey and the achievement of reaching a specific milestone or completing a difficult period. Many students feel a great sense of relief when they get through to the end of their final exams.

More: Understanding the English Phrasal Verb: How to Use 'Get Together' Correctly

Related Phrases and Synonyms

Understanding synonyms can help you vary your vocabulary and grasp the nuances of "get through to" more deeply. When you want to communicate effectively, having a range of expressions at your disposal is very beneficial. Here are some words and phrases with similar meanings:

These synonyms, while similar, don't always carry the exact same implication of overcoming a barrier that "get through to" often suggests, especially in its primary meaning of making someone understand. However, they are useful alternatives in many contexts. Learning these will help you develop your English communication skills further.

More: Unlocking 'Get Round': Meanings, Usage, and Examples

Practice Time!

Now let's test your understanding of "get through to" with a few questions. Choose the best option for each.

Question 1: Which sentence uses "get through to" to mean making someone understand? a) I finally got through to the next round of the competition.

b) It took a long time to get through to customer support on the phone.

c) I explained it many times, but I couldn't get through to her about the urgency.

d) We need to get through to the end of this project by Friday.

Correct answer: c

Question 2: "I tried calling her all day, but I couldn't ________ her." Which phrase best completes the sentence? a) get through with

b) get through to

c) get over to

d) get by to

Correct answer: b

Question 3: In which scenario would you NOT use "get through to"? a) Trying to explain a complex idea to a child.

b) Attempting to call a very busy helpline.

c) Describing your team advancing to the finals.

d) Asking someone to pass you the salt.

Correct answer: d

Question 4: "The manager tried to __________ the team that changes were necessary for growth." Which is the most appropriate phrasal verb? a) get over with

b) get along with

c) get through to

d) get away from

Correct answer: c

Conclusion

Understanding and correctly using the phrasal verb "get through to" is a valuable step in mastering English. As we've seen, its different meanings – from making someone understand, to making contact, to advancing in a process – make it a versatile and common expression. By studying its structures and practicing its application, you can significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and understand nuanced English. Keep practicing, and you'll find yourself using "get through to" with confidence!