Master ‘Get along with’ to Excel in IELTS Speaking

1. Definition and Explanation

The phrasal verb “get along with” is a common expression in English that primarily means to have a good relationship or to interact harmoniously with someone. It’s an essential phrasal verb for IELTS candidates to master, as it can be used effectively in various speaking and writing tasks.

Meanings and Synonyms

• Primary meaning: To have a friendly relationship with someone
• Synonyms: To be on good terms with, to be compatible with, to see eye to eye with

In some contexts, “get along with” can also mean:

• To make progress or to manage in a situation
• To cope or deal with something successfully

2. Usage in Context

“Get along with” is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations. Here are some examples:

• Informal: “I get along well with my roommates. We rarely have any arguments.”
• Formal: “It’s crucial for team members to get along with each other to ensure project success.”
• Written: “The report indicates that the new manager gets along with most of the staff.”
• Spoken: “How do you get along with your in-laws? I find it challenging sometimes.”

Getting along with diverse team members

3. Grammar Analysis

“Get along with” is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning that you cannot put an object between “get” and “along.” The correct structure is:

Subject + get along with + object

For example:

• Correct: “I get along with my colleagues.”
• Incorrect: “I get my colleagues along with.”

In questions and negative forms, “get” changes as usual:

• “Do you get along with your neighbors?”
• “She doesn’t get along with her boss.”

4. Application in IELTS

In IELTS Speaking

“Get along with” can be effectively used in various IELTS Speaking topics, particularly when discussing relationships, work environments, or social situations.

Sample answer for “Do you get along well with your colleagues?”:

“Yes, I generally get along well with my colleagues. We have a friendly and supportive work environment where everyone tries to be cooperative. Of course, there are occasional disagreements, but we always manage to resolve them professionally. Getting along with coworkers is crucial for maintaining a positive atmosphere and ensuring productive teamwork.”

In IELTS Writing

In Writing Task 2, you can use “get along with” to discuss social issues, workplace dynamics, or cultural differences. For example:

“In today’s globalized world, it’s increasingly important for people to get along with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This skill not only enhances personal relationships but also contributes to a more harmonious society.”

Remember to use this phrasal verb judiciously in formal writing, as it may be considered slightly informal in some contexts.

5. Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Get on with /ɡet ɒn wɪð/: Similar to “get along with,” meaning to have a good relationship.
   Example: “I get on well with my new roommate.”

2. Fall out with /fɔːl aʊt wɪð/: To have a disagreement or argument with someone.
   Example: “They fell out with each other over a misunderstanding.”

3. Make up with /meɪk ʌp wɪð/: To reconcile after an argument.
   Example: “After their fight, they quickly made up with each other.”

4. Put up with /pʊt ʌp wɪð/: To tolerate or endure something unpleasant.
   Example: “I can’t put up with his constant complaining anymore.”

5. Hit it off /hɪt ɪt ɒf/: To like each other and get along well immediately.
   Example: “They hit it off right from their first meeting.”

6. Rub someone the wrong way /rʌb ˈsʌmwʌn ðə rɒŋ weɪ/: To annoy or irritate someone.
   Example: “His arrogant attitude rubbed everyone the wrong way.”

7. See eye to eye /siː aɪ tuː aɪ/: To agree or have the same opinion.
   Example: “We don’t always see eye to eye on political issues.”

8. Break the ice /breɪk ðə aɪs/: To overcome initial awkwardness in a social situation.
   Example: “The team-building activity helped break the ice among new colleagues.”

Breaking the ice through team building

6. Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. It’s important to ___ your colleagues for a harmonious work environment.
2. How do you ___ your new neighbors?
3. They don’t always , but they respect each other’s opinions.
4. I find it easy to ___ people from different cultures.
5. If you can’t ___ your team members, it might affect your productivity.
6. She doesn’t ___ her sister-in-law, which makes family gatherings awkward.
7. Children need to learn how to ___ others from an early age.
8. Do you ___ your boss, or is there some tension?
9. It’s surprising how well they , considering their different backgrounds.
10. In a shared living situation, it’s crucial to ___ your roommates.

Sentence Rewriting

1. Original: Sarah and her mother-in-law have a good relationship.
   Rewrite: Sarah ___ her mother-in-law.

2. Original: I don’t tolerate his constant complaining.
   Rewrite: I can’t ___ his constant complaining.

3. Original: They immediately liked each other when they met.
   Rewrite: They ___ right away when they met.

4. Original: We need to overcome the initial awkwardness in the meeting.
   Rewrite: We need to ___ in the meeting.

5. Original: I agree with my partner on most important issues.
   Rewrite: I with my partner on most important issues.

6. Original: His attitude annoys everyone in the office.
   Rewrite: His attitude everyone in the office .

7. Original: After their argument, the couple reconciled quickly.
   Rewrite: After their argument, the couple ___ each other quickly.

8. Original: Tom and his sister often have disagreements.
   Rewrite: Tom and his sister often ___ each other.

9. Original: It’s important to have good relationships with your teammates.
   Rewrite: It’s important to ___ your teammates.

10. Original: Despite their differences, they manage to work together effectively.
    Rewrite: Despite their differences, they manage to and work together effectively.

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. get along with
2. get along with
3. get along
4. get along with
5. get along with
6. get along with
7. get along with
8. get along with
9. get along
10. get along with

Sentence Rewriting:

1. Sarah gets along with her mother-in-law.
2. I can’t put up with his constant complaining.
3. They hit it off right away when they met.
4. We need to break the ice in the meeting.
5. I see eye to eye with my partner on most important issues.
6. His attitude rubs everyone in the office the wrong way.
7. After their argument, the couple made up with each other quickly.
8. Tom and his sister often fall out with each other.
9. It’s important to get along with your teammates.
10. Despite their differences, they manage to get along and work together effectively.

Explanations:

• Each sentence demonstrates the correct usage of the phrasal verb in context.
• Pay attention to the inseparability of “get along with” and the correct preposition usage.
• Note how other related phrasal verbs are used to convey similar or opposite meanings.

7. Memory Tips

To remember “get along with” and its usage:

1. Visualize: Imagine two people walking along a path together, smiling and chatting. This visual representation can help you associate the phrase with positive relationships.

2. Mnemonic: “GET ALONG WITH” can be remembered as “Good Emotions Together: ALONG the Way, Interact Thoroughly and Harmoniously.”

3. Personal connection: Think of someone you get along with well and associate this phrase with that positive relationship.

4. Practice in context: Create short stories or scenarios where you use “get along with” multiple times. This repetition in context will help reinforce the meaning and usage.

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Using “get along” without “with” when referring to a person.
   Correct: “I get along with my sister.” (Not “I get along my sister.”)

2. Mistake: Separating the phrasal verb.
   Correct: “She gets along with her colleagues.” (Not “She gets her colleagues along with.”)

3. Mistake: Using the wrong preposition.
   Correct: “How do you get along with your roommate?” (Not “How do you get along to your roommate?”)

4. Mistake: Overusing in formal writing.
   Tip: In very formal contexts, consider alternatives like “maintain a good relationship with” or “work harmoniously with.”

5. Mistake: Confusing with similar phrases.
   Tip: Remember that “get on with” is more common in British English, while “get along with” is more universal.

9. Conclusion

Mastering the phrasal verb “get along with” is crucial for IELTS success, particularly in the Speaking test. It allows you to express ideas about relationships and social dynamics clearly and naturally. Remember to practice using this phrasal verb in various contexts, and don’t hesitate to incorporate it into your IELTS responses when appropriate. By doing so, you’ll demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency and improve your chances of achieving a higher band score.

For more practice and tips on using phrasal verbs in IELTS, check out these related articles:

• Describe a situation when you had to work with someone you didn’t get along with
• Do you get along well with your colleagues?
• Describe a place where you like to go for a weekend getaway

Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English in various contexts will help you internalize these phrasal verbs and use them naturally in your IELTS exam and beyond.