Understanding the Phrasal Verb: How to Use 'Get Into' in English
Hello English learners! Are you ready to expand your English vocabulary and master another common phrasal verb? Today, we're diving deep into the versatile phrasal verb "get into". Understanding how to use 'get into' correctly can significantly improve your fluency and comprehension. This post will guide you through the various meanings of 'get into', its grammatical structures, provide synonyms, and offer practice exercises to solidify your learning. Let's get into it!
Table of Contents
What Does Get Into Mean?
The phrasal verb "get into" is incredibly useful in English because it has several distinct meanings, making it a cornerstone for those looking to learn English phrasal verbs. Generally, it can describe entering a place, becoming involved or interested in something, being admitted to an institution, entering a specific state, or fitting into something like clothing. Context is absolutely key to understanding which specific meaning of 'get into' is being used in a sentence.
More: Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Fill in': Meanings & Usage
Structure with Get Into
Understanding the different structures associated with "get into" will help you use 'get into' accurately in your conversations and writing. This phrasal verb is transitive, meaning it usually takes an object. Being comfortable with these structures is essential for fluent English. Let's explore its common meanings and how they are structured in sentences, providing clear examples of 'get into' for each.
Meaning 1: To Enter a Place
This is perhaps the most literal and straightforward meaning of 'get into'. It describes the physical act of moving from outside to inside a car, building, room, or any enclosed or defined space. When you use 'get into' in this context, you're often highlighting the action of entry itself.
- Structure: Subject + get into + [a place/vehicle]
- Common Collocations: get into a car, get into a taxi, get into a house, get into bed, get into a building, get into a small space.
- Example 1: She had to get into the car quickly because it suddenly started to rain heavily.
- Example 2: We couldn't get into the house after our walk because we realized we had misplaced the keys.
- Nuance for Learners: It's useful to contrast "get into" with "get on." We get into smaller, private vehicles like cars and taxis. However, for larger public transport like buses, trains, planes, or even bikes and horses, we use "get on" (e.g., "get on the bus"). Understanding these distinctions is crucial for precise and natural-sounding English.
Meaning 2: To Become Involved or Interested In an Activity or Subject
When you get into an activity, hobby, subject, or even a TV series, it signifies that you are starting to become engaged, absorbed, or enthusiastic about it. This is a very common and natural way to talk about developing new interests or passions. It suggests a growing engagement, not just a momentary or superficial glance.
- Structure: Subject + get into + [an activity/hobby/subject/field of study/TV show]
- Common Collocations: get into gardening, get into coding, get into a new series, get into politics, get into a particular genre of music.
- Example 1: My brother recently got into painting, and now he spends many hours each week in his studio, completely absorbed.
- Example 2: I started to get into jazz music after attending a fascinating live concert last month; now I'm exploring different artists.
- Further Examples & Usage:
- "How did you first get into photography? Was it a class or a personal project?"
- "It's surprisingly easy to get into the habit of checking your phone constantly if you're not mindful."
- "She really got into her role as the team leader."
Meaning 3: To Be Admitted to a School, University, or Program
This specific meaning of 'get into' relates to successfully gaining entry, acceptance, or admission into an educational institution (like a school, college, or university) or a particular program or course, often one that is selective or competitive. It implies meeting certain criteria, passing exams, or successfully navigating an admissions process.
- Structure: Subject + get into + [a school/university/program/course]
- Common Collocations: get into college, get into university, get into a prestigious program, get into medical school, get into law school.
- Example 1: He worked incredibly hard throughout his high school years and, as a result, managed to get into his first-choice university for engineering.
- Example 2: She is very hopeful that she will get into the advanced coding bootcamp to significantly further her career in the tech industry.
- Note for Learners: This usage often carries a strong sense of achievement or success due to the effort involved in gaining admission. It's a positive and aspirational use of the phrasal verb.
Meaning 4: To Start or Enter a Particular State or Condition (Often Negative)
"Get into" can also mean to enter or find oneself in a certain state, mood, or condition. While it can sometimes be neutral (e.g., an actor might "get into character"), it frequently implies entering a problematic, difficult, or undesirable situation such as an argument, debt, trouble, or a mess.
- Structure: Subject + get into + [a state/condition/trouble/an argument/debt/a mess/a mood]
- Common Collocations: get into trouble, get into an argument, get into debt, get into a panic, get into a fight, get into a routine, get into the spirit of things.
- Example 1: Please try not to get into any trouble with the local authorities or customs officials during your trip abroad.
- Example 2: They got into a rather heated argument about their differing views on financial planning last night.
- Further Examples & Nuance:
- "He has an unfortunate knack for getting into awkward or embarrassing situations at social events."
- "Once you get into a good sleep routine, you'll likely find that you feel much better and more energetic." (Here, it refers to a positive state – a routine.)
- "It took a while, but eventually, everyone got into the festive spirit at the party."
Meaning 5: To Fit Into Clothing
This usage of "get into" is quite literal and common. It refers to whether a piece of clothing is the correct size for someone to wear, or more specifically, if they are physically able to put it on and wear it comfortably. It often implies a change in size, either of the person or the clothing.
- Structure: Subject + (can/can't/be able to) + get into + [an item of clothing]
- Common Collocations: get into jeans, get into a dress, get into shoes, get into a suit, get into old clothes.
- Example 1: I've lost some weight over the past few months, so I was thrilled that I can finally get into my old favorite jeans again!
- Example 2: He couldn't get into the smart suit he had bought last year because it was now unfortunately too small for him around the shoulders.
- Note for Learners: This meaning is often used with modal verbs like "can" or "can't" (or phrases like "be able to") to express the ability or inability to wear the item. For example, "I hope I can still get into my wedding dress!"
Learning these different facets and practicing them will certainly help you understand 'get into' more comprehensively and use it with confidence. Remember, the context of the sentence is crucial for determining the precise meaning of 'get into'.
More: Get Behind: Understanding the Phrasal Verb's Meanings & Usage
Related Phrases and Synonyms
Expanding your vocabulary with synonyms can make your English sound more varied and precise. Here are some synonyms for "get into", relevant to its main meanings. Understanding these alternatives can also deepen your comprehension of the phrasal verb meanings themselves.
| Synonym | Explanation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Enter | To go or come into a place; a more formal alternative for physical entry. | Please enter the examination hall quietly. |
| Become involved in | To start participating actively in an activity, project, or situation. | She became involved in local community projects. |
| Develop an interest in | To start to be curious, enthusiastic, or passionate about something new. | He developed an interest in astrophysics after watching a documentary. |
| Be accepted to/into | To be officially allowed to join a group, institution, or program. | She was thrilled to be accepted into the prestigious music academy. |
| Fit into | To be the correct size or shape for a particular space or item of clothing. | The new sofa didn't quite fit into the small living room. |
More: Mastering 'Get Back To': English Phrasal Verb Guide
Practice Time!
Let's test your understanding of "get into"! Choose the best answer for each question. This is a great way to check what you've learned about how to use 'get into'.
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses "get into" to mean "become interested in"? a) He tried to get into the locked building by the back door.
b) She recently got into birdwatching and bought new binoculars.
c) Can you get into these very small shoes, or are they too tight?
d) They got into a serious fight over a misunderstanding yesterday.
Correct answer: b
Question 2: "I was so happy when I found out I could ______ the university's highly-rated engineering program." Which phrasal verb best completes the sentence? a) get over
b) get into
c) get away
d) get by
Correct answer: b
Question 3: What is a possible meaning of "get into" in the sentence: "He got into trouble with his parents for skipping class repeatedly."? a) To enter a place physically
b) To become interested in something new
c) To start or find oneself in a problematic situation
d) To fit into an item of clothing
Correct answer: c
Question 4: She was delighted when she discovered she could still ______ her old prom dress after all these years. a) get into
b) get out of
c) get on
d) get up
Correct answer: a
Conclusion
Mastering versatile phrasal verbs like "get into" is a significant step in your journey to learn English phrasal verbs and achieve greater fluency. Understanding its various meanings, common structures, and typical contexts allows you to communicate more naturally, precisely, and effectively. Continue to observe how native speakers use 'get into', and don't be afraid to incorporate it into your own speaking and writing. Keep practicing, and you'll find your English skills improving day by day!