get through

phrasal verb·6 senses·particle through

Usefulness

Meanings

1

Finish a difficult task or period

Why “through”? You start a task and continue until it is completely finished.

I have to get through this pile of work.
I have to work my way through this stack of work to the end.
I have to get through this report by Friday.
I have to finish this report by Friday.
She got through her exams without too much stress.
She made it to the end of her exams without too much stress.
Just get through today and tomorrow will be easier.
Just survive today and tomorrow will be easier.
2

Survive a hard time

Why “through”? You continue during a hard time until it ends.

We will get through this together.
We will survive this difficult time together.
They got through the winter with one heater.
They survived the winter with one heater.
I don't know how she got through the loss.
I don't know how she emotionally made it through the loss.
3

Make contact by phone

Why “through”? A call or message moves through a line and reaches someone. You connect, make contact, or make the idea clear.

I tried calling but couldn't get through.
I tried calling but couldn't connect to anyone.
After ten minutes, she got through to the clinic.
After ten minutes, she reached someone at the clinic by phone.
The line was busy and I never got through.
The line was busy and I never managed to connect.
4

Use up a quantity of something

Why “through”? You move through a supply until none is left.

We got through three loaves.
We used up three loaves.
The family got through two bags of rice.
The family used up two bags of rice.
5

Pass a test or selection process

He got through the first round.
He passed the first round.
Maya got through the audition.
Maya passed the audition.
6

Finally make a person understand or accept an idea after difficulty

I keep explaining, but I cannot get through to him.
I keep explaining, but I cannot make him understand.
After several talks, she finally got through to the team.
After several talks, she finally made the team understand.

Don't confuse with

get throughget around

Get through means finish a difficult task or period. Get around means avoid a rule or difficulty.

get throughget off

Get through means finish a difficult task or period. Get off means finish work for the day.

Test yourself

I have to get through this pile of work. What does it mean?

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