Understanding the Phrasal Verb: How to Use "Get through" Correctly

Learning English phrasal verbs can be a challenge, but understanding them is key to achieving fluency. In this post, we'll focus on the versatile phrasal verb Get through. Many learners find it tricky due to its multiple meanings, but once you understand get through, your communication skills will significantly improve. We'll explore what Get through means, examine how to structure sentences with it, discover related phrases and synonyms, and finally, test your knowledge. By the end, you'll have a clearer comprehension of how to use Get through confidently in various contexts, helping you pass your English proficiency goals and use this phrasal verb like a native.

Table of Contents

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

What Does Get through Mean?

Phrasal verbs are a fascinating and essential part of the English language, combining a verb with a particle (an adverb or preposition) to create a new meaning. They can often be tricky for learners because their meaning isn't always obvious from the individual words. The phrasal verb Get through is a prime example of this versatility; it's a common expression you'll hear and read frequently. Generally, Get through implies successfully navigating some form of obstacle, whether it's a physical barrier, a difficult period, a challenging task, or establishing a communication channel. Understanding its various nuances is crucial for effective communication and for sounding more like a native speaker. This article will help you understand get through in depth, clarifying its various applications and providing clear get through examples.

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

Structure with Get through

The phrasal verb Get through can be used in several ways, each with a distinct meaning. Understanding these different structures will help you use it correctly. Let's explore some of the most common meanings and their corresponding sentence structures.

Meaning 1: To endure or survive a difficult experience or period

One of the most common uses of Get through is to talk about enduring or successfully coming to the end of a difficult or unpleasant situation, period, or experience. It implies resilience and the ability to cope with hardship. This meaning often carries an emotional weight, suggesting perseverance in the face of adversity. It's about making it to the other side of something challenging, demonstrating how to get through tough times.

• Structure: Subject + get through + [difficult situation/period/experience]
• Example 1: "It was a tough exam, but I studied hard and managed to get through it."
• Example 2: "We will get through this economic downturn together by supporting local businesses and each other."
• Example 3: "She found it hard to get through the first year after her partner moved abroad, but her friends were very supportive."

Meaning 2: To finish or complete a task or amount of work

Another frequent meaning of Get through is to finish or complete a task, often one that is substantial, time-consuming, or requires significant effort. It suggests progression and accomplishment, like working your way from the beginning to the end of something on your to-do list, a book, or a pile of chores.

• Structure: Subject + get through + [work/task/amount/reading material]
• Example 1: "I have a mountain of emails to get through this morning before I can start on the report."
• Example 2: "He needs to get through at least five chapters of the textbook before the examination next week."
• Example 3: "We managed to get through all the items on the agenda in today's lengthy meeting, which was a relief."

Meaning 3: To make contact with someone (usually by phone) OR to make someone understand something

This meaning of Get through has two related facets: successfully establishing communication, especially by telephone, or successfully conveying a message or idea so that it is understood. The idea of "through" here relates to breaking a barrier – either a communication line barrier or a barrier to understanding.

• Sub-meaning 3a: To make contact, especially by telephone.

  • Structure: Subject + get through + to + [person/place]
  • Example 1: "I tried calling her office all day, but I couldn't get through; the line was constantly busy."
  • Example 2: "After several attempts and a long wait time, I finally got through to the customer service department to resolve my issue."

• Sub-meaning 3b: To make someone understand something; for a message to be understood.

  • Structure 1: Subject + get through + to + [person] (+ that + clause)
    • Example 1: "I've tried to explain the importance of saving money, but I just can't seem to get through to him."
    • Example 2: "The coach repeated the game plan slowly and clearly to ensure the instructions got through to all the players."
  • Structure 2: Subject + get + [message/idea/point] + through + to + [person]
    • Example 1: "It's incredibly hard to get my point through to the committee when they've already made up their minds."
    • Example 2: "She used diagrams and simple language to get the complex scientific concepts through to the non-expert audience."

Meaning 4: To pass an exam, test, or official process

Get through can also specifically mean to successfully pass or be approved in a formal test, examination, or an official, often bureaucratic, process. It's about meeting the required standard or navigating a series of steps successfully.

• Structure: Subject + get through + [exam/test/interview/process/stage]
• Example 1: "She was so relieved when she found out she got through her final university exams with good grades."
• Example 2: "It's notoriously tough to get through the rigorous selection process for that scholarship program."
• Example 3: "He hopes to get through the initial screening and be invited for an interview."

More: Understanding 'Get Over': Meaning & Usage in English

Related Phrases and Synonyms

Understanding synonyms can greatly enrich your vocabulary and help you express nuances more effectively. While Get through is a versatile phrasal verb, knowing related words allows for more varied and precise communication. Below are some synonyms that align with the different meanings of Get through we've discussed. Pay attention to the subtle differences in meaning and how they are used in context.

Learning these synonyms and how they differ from get through will provide you with more options when you speak or write, allowing for greater precision.

More: Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Get out of': Meanings & Usage

Practice Time!

Now that you've learned about the different meanings and structures of Get through, it's time to test your understanding! These multiple-choice questions will help you check how well you can apply what you've learned. Choose the best answer for each question. Good luck!

Question 1: Which sentence best describes successfully finishing a large amount of work? a) I couldn't get through to my friend on the phone.

b) We will get through this difficult time by staying positive.

c) She managed to get through all her assignments before the deadline by working late.

d) The key message didn't seem to get through to the audience during the presentation.

Correct answer: c

Question 2: "I tried calling customer service multiple times, but the line was always busy, so I couldn't ______ to an agent." Which phrasal verb completes the sentence correctly? a) get over

b) get through

c) get by

d) get along

Correct answer: b

Question 3: In the sentence, "It was a challenging year for the company, but with strong leadership, they managed to get through it," what does "get through" mean? a) To finish reading a business report

b) To make a new product understood by the market

c) To endure or survive a difficult period successfully

d) To use up all the company's financial reserves

Correct answer: c

Question 4: Which of the following scenarios does NOT typically use "get through"? a) Completing a long and tedious report.

b) Successfully making a phone call to a busy office.

c) Quickly recovering from a common cold.

d) Passing a difficult entrance examination.

Correct answer: c

Conclusion

Learning English phrasal verbs like Get through is a significant journey, and every step you take, like reading this article, brings you closer to fluency. We've explored its core meanings – from bravely enduring difficult times and diligently completing tasks, to successfully making contact or conveying a message, and even passing important tests. By understanding these different applications and practicing the sentence structures, you equip yourself to use the meaning of get through accurately and naturally in conversation. Don't stop here; continue to observe how native speakers use this phrasal verb in different contexts and try to incorporate it into your own speaking and writing. Consistent practice is the absolute key to mastering Get through and other useful phrasal verbs in the English language!