Two months ago (I cannot believe how time flies!) I wrote this post about 5 phrasal verbs you can use with the verb “Take” in a Business English context. In that post I said that the most common verbs that are used as phrasal verbs are get, put, take, come and go.

Phrasal Verbs - GetI started off with “take” and this post is now dedicated to the verb “get”. Depending on the preposition that follows the verb, the meaning of the the phrasal verb and how it’s used in a sentence can change quite a lot. This is very challenging for language learners to grasp.

It’s also true that in English, phrasal verbs are often used instead of an appropriate verb which can be extremely frustrating for language learners. For example, we often say call off a meeting” instead of cancel a meeting.

Let’s take a look at  5 phrasal verbs, their alternative meaning and how they are used in a business context.

1. Get Around

  • We managed to get around the problem by dealing with our suppliers directly. (avoid)

2. Get Into

  • We got into an argument over the sales deadlines at the meeting. I was so upset. (became involved)

3. Get Through

  • I’ve had a really constructive day today. I got through a huge amount of paperwork. (completed)
  • I’ve been trying to get through to our distributors all day without success. (contact)

 

4. Get On

  • I get on really well with my colleagues. We make a great team. (have a good relationship)
  • How are you getting on with the presentation for next week’s conference? (to progress)

5. Get (something) Across

Get across your point

  • In a sales pitch, it’s very important to get your message across clearly and concisely. (communicate)

These phrasal verbs can be used in a non-business context as well. Can you create other sentences with them? Do you know other phrasal verbs with “get”?

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Ciao for now.

Shanthi