Help center

What does the phrasal verb “get through to” mean?

What are the definitions of “get through to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

  • 1Make someone understand.

    I explained it carefully, but I just couldn't GET THROUGH TO him.

  • 2Contact, especially by phone.

    I rang but couldn't GET THROUGH TO her.

  • 3Reach a stage in a competition.

    If they win, they'll GET THROUGH TO the quarter finals.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get through to”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get through to is to make someone understand something. It is often used when you want to explain something to someone, but they are having difficulty understanding it.

What are the different verb forms of “get through to”?

Root Verbget through to
Third Person Singular Presentgets through to
Present Participlegetting through to
Simple Pastgot through to
Past Participlegotten through to

Example

I tried to get through to him, but he just wouldn't listen.

Example

She always gets through to her students, no matter how complex the topic is.

Example

He is getting through to the customer service representative about his issue.

Example

Yesterday, I finally got through to my brother about the importance of saving money.

Example

After many attempts, she had gotten through to her friend about the risks of smoking.

What kind of phrasal verb is “get through to”?

📝

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 through to” 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

I tried to get through to him, but he just wouldn't listen.

Example

She always gets through to her students, no matter how complex the topic is.

📝

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 through to” 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

I tried to get through to him, but he just wouldn't listen.

Example

She always gets through to her students, no matter how complex the topic is.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get through to”?

Get through to someone on the phone

To successfully make contact with someone by calling them on the telephone.

Example

I've been trying all morning, but I can't get through to the doctor's office.

Get through to the next round

To successfully progress to the next stage of a competition.

Example

With that performance, they're sure to get through to the next round.

Get through to someone emotionally

To emotionally connect with someone or make them understand your feelings.

Example

I've been trying to get through to him about how much this means to me.

Good things to know

Does “get through to” have an informal or formal tone?

Get through to is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in informal and conversational English. For example, in a business setting, one might say 'communicate effectively' instead of 'get through to'.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “get through to”?

Synonyms

Antonyms

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!