Understanding the Phrasal Verb: How to Use 'Get away with' Correctly

Phrasal verbs can be tricky, but mastering them significantly boosts your English fluency. Today, we're diving deep into the common phrasal verb "Get away with". Understanding how to use "Get away with" correctly will help you comprehend a wide range of English conversations and texts. This post will explore the various meanings of "Get away with", its grammatical structures, provide synonyms, and offer practice exercises to solidify your learning. Let's uncover the secrets to effectively using this versatile verb phrase!

Table of Contents

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

What Does Get away with Mean?

The phrasal verb "Get away with" is a highly useful expression in English, generally signifying the act of successfully doing something wrong, forbidden, or risky without being caught or punished. It can also mean receiving a much milder punishment than deserved. Think of it as sidestepping the negative repercussions that would typically follow a certain action. This phrase is common in both informal conversations and more formal contexts when discussing justice or accountability. Understanding its nuances will allow you to grasp subtle meanings in English communication, especially when people talk about rule-breaking or fortunate escapes from trouble. We'll explore its specific meanings and structures in detail.

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Structure with Get away with

The phrasal verb "Get away with" is an interesting one because its core meaning, often related to escaping consequences, can be applied in a few distinct ways. It’s more than just a simple verb; it’s an idiomatic expression that adds color and specificity to your language. Understanding its grammatical structure is absolutely key to using it correctly and sounding like a more natural English speaker. Often, the object of "with" is the thing that one is not punished for. Let's break down its common meanings and how to structure sentences with them, paying close attention to what follows the preposition "with".

Meaning 1: To Do Something Wrong and Not Be Punished

This is arguably the most frequently encountered meaning of "Get away with". It directly refers to the act of performing a prohibited or dishonest action and successfully avoiding any form of punishment, penalty, or even discovery. The implication is that the person should have faced consequences but, through luck, cunning, or circumstance, did not. This is a cornerstone usage of "Get away with" in everyday English.

Structure: Subject + get away with + gerund (verb-ing) / noun phrase (the wrongdoing)

• Examples:
  • He got away with cheating on the final exam because the proctor was distracted.
  • She can't believe her brother got away with that outrageous lie he told their parents.

This structure clearly highlights the specific misdeed or forbidden action that the subject managed to execute without repercussions. It's crucial to note that "Get away with" here strongly suggests a successful evasion of deserved negative outcomes. Many learners find this particular usage of "Get away with" incredibly useful for describing situations where rules are bent or broken without immediate penalty.

Meaning 2: To Receive a Relatively Light Punishment

Sometimes, an individual doesn't entirely escape the consequences of their actions but receives a punishment that is notably lenient or much lighter than what might be expected or deemed appropriate for the offense. "Get away with" is perfectly suited to convey this scenario, emphasizing the mildness of the penalty.

Structure: Subject + get away with + noun phrase (describing the light punishment or situation)

• Examples:
  • The reckless driver only got away with a small fine and a warning, even though he caused a significant accident.
  • Considering the amount of money embezzled, the accountant got away with just a few years in a low-security prison.

In this context, "Get away with" serves to underscore the leniency or inadequacy of the outcome. It’s not about complete impunity, but rather about a consequence that is perceived by the speaker (or generally) as disproportionately small or insufficient given the circumstances. This helps in understanding how "Get away with" can express degrees of escaping full justice.

Meaning 3: To Manage to Do, Say, or Use Something (Often Unacceptable or Bold) Without Negative Repercussions

This meaning of "Get away with" is broader and can apply to situations where someone does or says something particularly bold, cheeky, unconventional, or even inappropriate, yet surprisingly faces no immediate negative social, professional, or personal consequences. It can also refer to using a minimal amount of something to achieve a result, often surprisingly.

Structure: Subject + get away with + gerund (verb-ing) / noun phrase (the bold action/statement or minimal thing)

• Examples:
  • You'll never get away with wearing those casual shoes to such an important and formal business dinner; the dress code is strict.
  • I still can't believe he got away with making such a sarcastic comment directly to the CEO during the meeting!
  • Some artists can get away with using very few brushstrokes to create a masterpiece.

This usage often carries an undertone of surprise, disapproval, or even grudging admiration from the speaker that the person faced no backlash or succeeded despite the odds. It highlights the audacity of the action or the unexpected success with minimal effort and the surprising lack of negative feedback. When learning English phrasal verbs, understanding these subtle differences in meaning for expressions like "Get away with" is very important for nuanced communication.

Meaning 4: To Steal Something and Escape

While closely related to the primary meaning of escaping punishment for a wrongdoing, "get away with" can also specifically mean to steal something and successfully escape with the stolen goods without being apprehended. This is a more concrete application of the "evading consequences" idea.

Structure: Subject + get away with + noun phrase (the stolen item or amount)

• Examples:
  • The daring art thieves meticulously planned the heist and got away with several priceless paintings from the museum.
  • He foolishly tried to get away with a few expensive pens from the office stationery cupboard, but the vigilant security guard stopped him at the exit.

This usage directly links the phrasal verb "Get away with" to the act of theft and the subsequent successful escape with the loot. It's a specific application of the broader "escape punishment" theme, focusing on material gain through illicit means followed by evasion.

Related Phrases and Synonyms

Understanding synonyms and related phrases can significantly enhance your vocabulary, allowing you to express nuances more precisely and avoid repetition. For the phrasal verb "Get away with", several other expressions convey similar ideas, though often with slightly different emphasis. Exploring these can help you better appreciate the specific flavor that "Get away with" brings to a sentence. Here are some words and phrases related to "Get away with", along with their meanings and illustrative examples.

These synonyms offer different shades of meaning. For instance, "evade detection" focuses on not being caught, while "go unpunished" emphasizes the lack of penalty. "Pull off" can be similar when the "difficult or risky" act is something one shouldn't do, aligning with the idea of getting away with something.

Practice Time!

Now let's test your understanding of "Get away with". Choose the best option for each question.

Question 1: Which sentence uses "get away with" to mean escaping punishment for a wrongdoing? a) He tried to get away with the heavy box, but it was too much for him. b) The politician thought he could get away with lying to the public, but he was caught. c) She decided to get away with her friends for the weekend. d) Can you get away with the small print on this document?

Correct answer: b

Question 2: "The shoplifter only ____ a warning." Which phrase best completes the sentence, implying a light punishment? a) got away b) got away with c) got away from d) got with

Correct answer: b

Question 3: Sarah told a small lie to her parents and wasn't caught. Which sentence best describes this? a) Sarah got away to her lie. b) Sarah got away from her lie. c) Sarah got away with her lie. d) Sarah got her lie away.

Correct answer: c

Question 4: "I can't believe you're trying to ____ wearing that to the wedding!" What is the most appropriate completion? a) get away to b) get away on c) get away with d) get away from

Correct answer: c

These questions cover different contexts in which you might use or encounter "Get away with". Reviewing your answers and the explanations for the meanings earlier will help reinforce your learning. Consistent practice is key when learning English phrasal verbs.

Conclusion

Mastering the English phrasal verb "Get away with" truly opens up a new dimension in your understanding and use of the language. As we've explored, its core utility lies in expressing the idea of evading punishment or negative consequences, whether for serious wrongdoings, minor infractions, or even bold statements. It also aptly describes situations where someone receives a surprisingly lenient penalty. By internalizing its various meanings, common sentence structures, and related synonyms, you equip yourself to comprehend more nuanced English and express yourself with greater precision and confidence. Remember, consistent practice is the bridge to fluency, so keep using "Get away with" in your conversations and writing!