get across
B1Neutral to Informal
Definition
Meaning
To successfully communicate or explain an idea or message so that it is understood.
To cross from one side to another (literally or metaphorically); to make something understood despite barriers.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a phrasal verb (verb + particle). Often focuses on the success of communication despite potential obstacles. Can imply effort to overcome misunderstanding.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; both use identically. Potentially higher frequency in UK media/political discourse.
Connotations
Slightly more informal/active than 'communicate' or 'convey'. In both varieties, suggests overcoming a communication challenge.
Frequency
Common in both varieties. Equally likely in business, teaching, and everyday contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] get [object] across (to [recipient])[subject] get across [that-clause] (to [recipient])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Get your point across”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Crucial in presentations and meetings. E.g., 'We need to get across the value proposition to the client.'
Academic
Used in pedagogy and peer discussion. E.g., 'The lecturer struggled to get the complex theory across.'
Everyday
Common in discussing conversations, instructions, or feelings. E.g., 'Did my joke get across?'
Technical
Less common. Could be used in fields like UX design regarding user communication.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He just couldn't get his apology across properly.
- The advert gets across the safety message very effectively.
- How do I get it across to them that this is urgent?
American English
- She really got her point across in the meeting.
- The presentation didn't get the data across clearly.
- We need a simple diagram to get this concept across.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I drew a picture to get my idea across.
- The teacher uses games to get the lesson across.
- It's important to get your main point across quickly in an email.
- He told a funny story to get his message across.
- Despite the language barrier, she managed to get the urgency of the situation across.
- The report fails to get across the complexities of the economic crisis.
- The film's director skillfully gets across a profound sense of melancholy without using dialogue.
- His nuanced argument failed to get across to an audience accustomed to soundbites.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine your message is a river you need to GET your listener ACROSS to the shore of understanding.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A JOURNEY (across a barrier). UNDERSTANDING IS A DESTINATION (on the other side).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'получить через' (get through).
- Not the same as 'пересечь' (to cross a physical space) when used metaphorically.
- Do not confuse with 'get over' (преодолеть, оправиться).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I got across the street my idea.' (Word order)
- Incorrect: 'I got across that I am tired.' (Possible but less common than using a noun object)
- Overusing in formal writing where 'communicate' or 'convey' is better.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'get across' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral to informal. Perfect for everyday speech, emails, and presentations. In very formal writing, 'communicate', 'convey', or 'impart' might be preferred.
Yes, but usually the context implies the object (the message/point). E.g., 'His joke didn't get across.' (meaning the humour or punchline wasn't understood).
They are very similar synonyms. 'Get across' often emphasises the result (the understanding was achieved). 'Put across' can emphasise the action or method of communicating.
Yes, but this is a separate, less common meaning (e.g., 'We need to get across the river'). In most contexts, it is used metaphorically for communication.