What are the definitions of “get across”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Communicate successfully.
I just couldn't GET my message ACROSS at the meeting.
- 2Go from one side to the other.
It's impossible to GET ACROSS the road with all this traffic.
- 3Move something from one side to the other.
How are we going to GET these bags ACROSS the river?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get across”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get across is to communicate successfully or make someone understand something. It is often used when talking about explaining ideas, thoughts, or messages to others.
What are the different verb forms of “get across”?
| Root Verb | get across |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets across |
| Present Participle | getting across |
| Simple Past | got across |
| Past Participle | gotten across |
Example
She tried to get her point across during the discussion.
Example
He always gets his ideas across clearly and effectively.
Example
She is getting her message across by using simple language.
Example
Yesterday, he got his point across during the presentation.
Example
The important information has gotten across to everyone in the team.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get across”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“get across” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She got her point across during the discussion.
Example
He got the message across to the audience.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“get across” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She got her point across during the discussion.
Example
He got the message across to the audience.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get across”?
Get across a river, road, or other obstacle
To go from one side to the other.
Example
We had to get across the busy street to reach the store.
Get something across a river, road, or other obstacle
To move something from one side to the other.
Example
We need to get these boxes across the room before we can start decorating.
Get across a message or idea
To communicate or convey a message or idea effectively.
Example
The speaker got across the importance of teamwork during the seminar.
Good things to know
Does “get across” have an informal or formal tone?
Get across is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings like presentations, meetings, and speeches.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “get across”?
Synonyms
- convey
- communicate
- express
- transmit
- impart
- relay
- put across
- make understood
