Understanding the Phrasal Verb ‘Get Around’
The phrasal verb ‘get around’ is a versatile and commonly used expression in English. For IELTS candidates, mastering this phrasal verb can significantly enhance your language proficiency and help you achieve a higher score. Let’s delve into its various meanings and applications.
Definition and Explanation
‘Get around’ has several meanings depending on the context:
- To travel or move from place to place
- To circumvent or find a way to avoid a problem or rule
- To spread (news or information)
- To eventually do something (usually used with ‘to’)
Synonyms for ‘get around’ include ‘circumvent,’ ‘travel,’ ‘spread,’ and ‘manage to do.’
Usage in Context
Here are some examples illustrating the different uses of ‘get around’:
- “I prefer to get around the city by bicycle.” (Travel)
- “She always finds a way to get around the rules.” (Avoid)
- “News of their engagement got around quickly.” (Spread)
- “I finally got around to cleaning the garage.” (Eventually do)
Various uses of the phrasal verb 'get around'
Grammar Analysis
‘Get around’ is a separable phrasal verb when used with an object. For example:
- “I need to get around this obstacle.” (Correct)
- “I need to get this obstacle around.” (Also correct)
However, when used with pronouns, the object must come between ‘get’ and ‘around’:
- “I need to get it around.” (Correct)
- “I need to get around it.” (Incorrect in this context)
When used in the sense of “eventually doing something,” it’s always followed by ‘to’ and a gerund:
- “I finally got around to fixing the leaky faucet.”
Application in IELTS
Speaking
In the IELTS Speaking test, using ‘get around’ can demonstrate your ability to use idiomatic language naturally. Here are some sample responses:
Question: How do you prefer to travel in your city?
Answer: “I prefer to get around by public transport. It’s eco-friendly and helps me avoid traffic jams.”
Question: Have you ever had to deal with a difficult rule or regulation?
Answer: “Yes, once I had to get around a strict deadline at work by negotiating with my manager for an extension.”
Writing
In IELTS Writing, ‘get around’ can add sophistication to your essays. However, be mindful of the formality level required. For Task 2 essays, the more formal meanings (such as ‘circumvent’) are more appropriate:
“Many companies attempt to get around environmental regulations, which can have severe consequences for local ecosystems.”
For Task 1 letters, the less formal uses are suitable:
“I’m writing to let you know that I’ve finally got around to organizing that reunion we discussed.”
Related Phrasal Verbs
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Get by /ɡet baɪ/ – To manage with difficulty
Example: “We’ll have to get by on our savings until I find a new job.” -
Get through /ɡet θruː/ – To finish or survive something difficult
Example: “I don’t know how I’ll get through this exam without studying.” -
Get over /ɡet ˈəʊvə/ – To recover from an illness or disappointment
Example: “It took her months to get over her breakup.” -
Get away /ɡet əˈweɪ/ – To escape or go on vacation
Example: “We’re planning to get away for a few days next month.” -
Get along /ɡet əˈlɒŋ/ – To have a good relationship
Example: “I’m glad you get along well with your new colleagues.”
Practice Exercises
Fill in the Blanks
- I need to __ __ fixing the car this weekend.
- How do you __ __ in your city without a car?
- The news __ __ quickly in our small town.
- She always finds a way to __ __ the rules.
- We’ll have to __ __ on a tight budget this month.
- I hope you __ __ your cold soon.
- They’re planning to __ __ for a week in July.
- How do you and your roommate __ __?
- We barely __ __ last month with our limited income.
- I can’t seem to __ __ this difficult chapter in my textbook.
Sentence Transformation
-
Original: They finally cleaned the attic last weekend.
Rewrite: They finally __ cleaning the attic last weekend. -
Original: She always finds ways to avoid the office dress code.
Rewrite: She always finds ways to __ the office dress code. -
Original: How do you travel in your city?
Rewrite: How do you __ in your city? -
Original: The rumor spread quickly throughout the office.
Rewrite: The rumor __ quickly throughout the office. -
Original: We managed with difficulty during the financial crisis.
Rewrite: We __ during the financial crisis. -
Original: I hope you recover from your disappointment soon.
Rewrite: I hope you __ your disappointment soon. -
Original: They’re planning an escape to the countryside next month.
Rewrite: They’re planning to __ to the countryside next month. -
Original: Do you have a good relationship with your neighbors?
Rewrite: Do you __ with your neighbors? -
Original: We barely survived last semester’s workload.
Rewrite: We barely __ last semester’s workload. -
Original: I finally organized the family reunion we discussed.
Rewrite: I finally __ organizing the family reunion we discussed.
Answers and Explanations
Fill in the Blanks:
- get around to
- get around
- got around
- get around
- get by
- get over
- get away
- get along
- got by
- get through
Sentence Transformation:
- got around to
- get around
- get around
- got around
- got by
- get over
- get away
- get along
- got through
- got around to
Each answer demonstrates the correct usage of the phrasal verb in context. For example, in the first fill-in-the-blank question, “get around to” is used to express finally doing a task that has been postponed. In the sentence transformations, the phrasal verbs are used to replace more formal or simplistic expressions, showing how they can add nuance and natural flow to your language.
Memory Tips
To remember the various meanings of ‘get around’:
- Visualize a person on a bicycle moving around a city for the ‘travel’ meaning.
- Picture someone sneaking past a “No Entry” sign for the ‘avoid’ meaning.
- Imagine a piece of news spreading like ripples in a pond for the ‘spread’ meaning.
- Think of a to-do list with items finally being crossed off for the ‘eventually do’ meaning.
Visual memory aids for 'get around' meanings
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Confusion with ‘get round to’: In British English, ‘get round to’ is often used instead of ‘get around to’. Both are correct, but be consistent in your usage.
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Incorrect preposition: Don’t say “get around of” or “get around with”. The correct form is simply “get around” or “get around to” when meaning ‘eventually do’.
-
Wrong word order with pronouns: Remember, with pronouns, the object comes between ‘get’ and ‘around’. Say “I’ll get it around,” not “I’ll get around it.”
-
Overuse in formal writing: While ‘get around’ is versatile, it’s more suitable for speaking and informal writing. In formal IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, consider using more academic synonyms.
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Neglecting context: Always consider the context to choose the right meaning of ‘get around’. Using it incorrectly can lead to misunderstandings.
Conclusion
Mastering the phrasal verb ‘get around’ can significantly enhance your English proficiency and IELTS performance. Its versatility allows you to express ideas related to travel, problem-solving, information spread, and task completion. Remember to practice using it in various contexts, and don’t forget to explore related phrasal verbs to further enrich your vocabulary. With consistent practice and application, you’ll find yourself using ‘get around’ and other phrasal verbs naturally in your IELTS exam and beyond.
