If you’re learning English, you’ll likely come across phrasal verbs that can be confusing. One such phrase is “get through,” which has several different meanings depending on how it’s used. In this article, we’ll go over the various ways to use “get through” and what they mean.
1. Get Through Means to Finish
One way to use “get through” is to mean finishing something, like a task or an activity.
- What time do you get through? – I get through at 5 pm today.
- What time does the movie get through? – It gets through at 9 o’clock.
You can also use “get through” for a book or project that takes a long time.
- It took me two weeks to get through this book. It’s pretty thick.
- I finally got through that project I was working on for months. It was a huge relief to finish it.
2. Surviving a Difficult Day or Situation
“Get through” can also mean enduring or surviving a challenging day or situation.
- I don’t like Mondays, but I do what I can to get through the day.
- It’s tough to get through an exam without proper preparation.
3. To Reach Someone by Telephone or Succeed in Getting a Message to Someone
One of the most common uses of “get through” is when you want to speak to someone on the phone or send them a message. For instance, if you call your friend several times, but they don’t pick up the phone, you can say:
- I’ve been calling you all day, but I couldn’t get through.
Alternatively, if you’re trying to reach someone via email, but your message keeps bouncing back, you can say:
- I’ve been trying to get through to you all day, but my emails keep getting rejected.
4. To Persuade or Influence Someone
Another use of “get through” is when you want to persuade or influence someone, but they’re not listening. For example, if you’re trying to advise a friend about a problem they’re having, but they’re not taking your advice, you might say:
- I can’t get through to her, no matter how much I try.
This meaning is figurative since you’re not physically trying to reach them, but rather trying to make them understand your perspective.
5. To Penetrate Something
Another meaning of “get through” is to penetrate or go through something, like a barrier or an object.
- The new laser cutter can get through any material with ease.
- It’s hard to get through the crowd to see the performance.
- May I get through, please?
6. To Pass a Law or Procedure
“Get through” can also mean to pass a law or procedure successfully. For example, if a political party works hard to get a new bill passed, they can say:
- At last, we got the bill through Congress. All that’s needed now is the President’s signature.
This meaning indicates that a law or procedure has been accepted or approved, and it can also refer to the process of getting it passed.
7. To Use up Resources, Especially Quickly
The phrasal verb “get through” can mean to use up resources quickly, such as food, money, or paper. For instance, if you’re throwing a party, and you’re not sure if you have enough food for everyone, you can say:
- I didn’t think we’d get through all that food, but I’m glad I was wrong.
Alternatively, if you’re working in an office, and you realize that you’ve used up a lot of paper in a short time, you can say:
- I’m surprised we got through so much paper last month.
8. To Transport Something
In some cases, “get through” can mean to transport or deliver something.
- I need to get this document through to my boss before the deadline.
- The courier service had difficulty getting through to the remote area.
9. Threatening Someone in a Joking or Serious Manner
Finally, “get through” can be used as a threat, whether jokingly or seriously. It’s important to note that this usage is not common and should be used with caution.
- You’ll be sorry when I get through with you.
- If you don’t behave, I’ll get through this bag of candy and not save any for you!
See also: