An explanation of the different meanings of the English phrasal verb 'get into' from a native speaker, with lots of examples in context
Hello and welcome to my website for English learners all about phrasal verbs where I explain their different meanings to help you understand, learn and use them.
This article is all about the English phrasal verb 'get into'. In it, I will look at 8 different ways to use this surprising little phrasal verb and give you lots of commonly used nouns and example sentences to help you master them and add them to your active English vocabulary. This is quite a long post as there are a lot of different meanings to cover, so, let's make a start!
Please like and share the post if you find the article useful (I won't know otherwise)! Also, feel free to leave a comment at the end with your own sentence featuring 'get into' 😊
GET INTO: KEY INFORMATION
Usage | Common |
Number of meanings | 8 |
Past tense form | Got / Gotten into - Got / Gotten into |
Separable? | Sometimes |
THE BASICS
If you visit my site often, you will know that I like to start each of my phrasal verbs posts with a quick analysis of the words that make up the phrasal verb of choice, in this case they are 'get' and 'into'.
We'll start by looking at the verb 'to get', which I know can be problematic for many English learners due to its many meanings and uses. Let's not worry too much about all of the meanings of it here, but rather concentrate on those that are relevant for 'get into', which are 'to arrive' and 'to become'. In addition to its many different meanings, 'to get' can also function as an auxiliary verb, in the place of 'to be', to form passive sentences. One other point to note is that 'get' has two different past participles: 'got' and 'gotten' and the usage of these depends on where you are in the anglophone world. In British and Australian English, 'got' is the more common past tense form, whilst North American English speakers prefer using 'gotten'.
Everybody gets old if they are lucky.
It's getting very warm in here.
He didn't get famous by luck; he worked hard and believed in himself.
What time did you get home last night?
We got to the airport late and missed the flight.
Suzanne got picked to play for the soccer team.
Next, we have the prepositional particle 'into', which is a combination of the prepositions 'in' and 'to'. As a result, 'into' is mainly used to describe movement from the outside of something to the inside. When used in phrasal verbs, 'into' can express ideas such as entry (go into), transformation (turn into), collision (bump into) and focus (look into).
So, now that we have looked at the basics, let's take a look at the various meanings of the phrasal verb 'get into'....
MEANING 1: To enter
CEFR Language Level | B1 - Intermediate |
Usage | Common |
Where is it used? | Everywhere |
Potential synonyms | To enter, to go in, to go into |
Separable? | No |
Let's enter into the world of the different meanings of 'get into' with our first one, which, coincidentally, means 'to enter'....do you see what I did there?! 😉
Nouns commonly used with this application....
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As you will see from the list of nouns above, we can use 'get into' to talk about entering or physically going inside a place. You should note however that it only tends to be used by speakers in the following scenarios....
When there is some difficulty entering
In the negative sense when we entry into somewhere is not possible for some reason
When asking a question about how someone entered a space.
On the contrary, if there is no difficulty entering a place, we tend to use 'go into' or another alternative.
It took John 30 minutes to get into his apartment this evening as there was a problem with the lock on his front door.
Mark tried to get into his car by breaking the window.
How did the burglars get into your house?
Somehow the cat got into the washing machine.
This disease is caused when bacteria get into a person's bloodstream.
Note that it is possible to use 'get into' for a car but not for other larger types of transport, such as a train or a plane as we use (illogically) 'on' for these and therefore the correct phrasal verb for these would be 'get onto'.
It is also commonplace to use this application to describe non-physical spaces for which we use 'in'. These typically tend to be things like online accounts that need passwords etc.
Has anyone been able to get into their email inbox this morning?
A virus got into the computer system, causing the company lots of trouble.
MEANING 2: To be chosen for something
CEFR Language Level | B2 - Upper intermediate |
Usage | Medium |
Where is it used? | Everywhere |
Potential synonyms | To be selected, to be chosen, to get in |
Separable? | No |
We all experience moments of good luck in our lives, although it appears that some people have more of it than others. This second meaning of 'get into' is one that could be useful for them as it means 'to be chosen for something' and is usually used for things that we hope to be chosen for.
Nouns commonly used with this application:
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As I mentioned above, this usage of 'get into' is definitely a positive one because the underlying idea of it is a successful application. Typically, there is often an element of prestige or pride when it is used in this context.
For example, if you get into a university, it means that you achieved the required grades in your exams and your application to study there was accepted. Likewise, if you get into a sports team, it means that the team manager has seen you play and has given you a place as he thinks you are good enough (note that it is also possible to get onto a team).
One point to note here is that in American English, 'college' and 'university' are the same thing, however in British English they are different things, with a college being a place that you can study between school and university or to learn a profession, such as hairdressing or plumbing.
My son has got into Oxford University to study English. I am overjoyed!
What will you do if you don't get into the university that you want to go to?
Mark and Lucy's daughter did not get into the school closest to their house.
I got into the team after some of the other players got injured and they needed some replacements.
In addition, you can also hear this application of 'get into' in the world of politics as if someone gets into parliament or office, it means that they have been elected or chosen to do the job by their political party or by the public.
The prime minster first got into office 5 years ago and has not done much since then!
The opposition party is determined to get into power in the upcoming election.
If Mrs Smith gets into the Senate, she plans to focus on healthcare reform.
MEANING 3: To become interested in something
CEFR Language Level | C1 - Advanced |
Usage | Common |
Where is it used? | Everywhere |
Potential synonyms | To develop an interest, to get hooked, to start liking |
Separable? | Rarely |
The third meaning of 'get into' is a pretty common one that you are likely to often hear being used by native speakers and it means 'to become interested in something'.
Nouns commonly used with this application....
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To give you an example of how this one is frequently used, think about when you read a book or watch a movie and initially you find it difficult to enjoy or connect with it. Then, something really exciting happens in the story and suddenly you are no longer paying attention to what is happening around you and you are totally absorbed in the story (this happened to me whilst reading my book on the train this morning). When this happens, you can say that got into the book or the movie.
It took me a while to get into the Harry Potter books but once I did, I was obsessed.
I couldn't get into that movie, so I turned it off.
Jason tried to get into his book but he couldn't concentrate on it as everyone around him was being so loud.
We do not only use this application of 'get into' with entertainment however, as we can use it for anything that we are interested in. This can be for something that holds our attention for a few hours to lifelong passions, hobbies and interests that we enjoy doing or learning about. Regardless of what it is, 'get into' is used to describe the moment or time when you became interested in it.
Kerry first got into history during 8th grade when she had a brilliant teacher.
When did you get into rowing?
Steve got into chess when he was living in Russia and now he is the best player I know.
Brian got into Bob Marley's music when he was a teenager.
A lot of people were into Britney Spears when I was at school but I never really got into her.
MEANING 4: To start a career in a specific field
CEFR Language Level | C1 - Advanced |
Usage | Common |
Where is it used? | Everywhere |
Potential synonyms | To become, to enter into |
Separable? | No |
Following on from the previous section, if you are interested in something, then it is logical that you may do a job that involves elements of the thing that you are interested in. As such, the fourth meaning of 'get into' that we will cover in this post is 'to start a career in a specific field, profession or industry'.
Nouns commonly used with this application....
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At one point in the past, I seriously considered becoming a schoolteacher and started the process of researching different courses etc. Whilst I was doing this, I attended several public events for prospective teachers called "Get Into Teaching" and although I didn't end up becoming a schoolteacher (I am an ESL teacher for adults instead), I still receive emails from them occasionally. The reason that I am telling you this is because the teaching profession is one that is commonly used with this application of 'get into'.
Aside from teaching, other professions that you may hear 'get into' being used in reference to are those that often require an element of training of study as specific skills are required, such as journalism, IT, law and politics. Additionally, it can also be heard in reference to specific industries or fields of work such as show business or the music industry.
Roger got into teaching because he loves working with children.
Shelley tried to get into journalism after graduating from university.
Many people struggle to get into the tech industry without prior experience.
Adam got into law after being inspired by his father, who was a judge.
It’s not easy to get into acting, but Laura is determined to make it.
People who are just starting in this industry don't know what they are getting into.
MEANING 5: To become involved in something
CEFR Language Level | C1 - Advanced |
Usage | Common |
Where is it used? | Everywhere |
Potential synonyms | To start, to get involved in, to be implicated in |
Separable? | No |
Moving on to our fifth meaning of 'get into' now, which is in line with the theme of some of the others that we have already covered in the post as it means 'to become involved in something'. Alternatively, it can also be used to mean 'to start something'.
Nouns commonly used with this application....
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For this usage, we are focussing more on emotional-based things that are only made possible through interactions with other people.
For example, you might get into a fascinating conversation with a stranger at a party, but then they may say something that you disagree with and so you then get into an argument with them.
Furthermore, you might get into a relationship with someone only to realise that you are incompatible because you get into fights all the time. It's important to note that I'm specifically talking about romantic relationships here; it would be unusual to hear anyone saying that they got into a friendship with someone as typically we would say 'make friends' or 'befriend' here instead.
Tim got into a fight with his brother over something trivial.
Hannah got into a really interesting conversation with her manager at the Christmas party.
It’s easy to get into a toxic relationship if you don’t set boundaries
Sarah and John got into a heated argument over politics at the dinner table.
A couple of the schoolchildren got into a scuffle during their break, but the teacher quickly intervened.
It’s important to think carefully before getting into a romantic relationship with a work colleague.
MEANING 6: To reach a state or condition
CEFR Language Level | C1 - Advanced |
Usage | Common |
Where is it used? | Everywhere |
Potential synonyms | To develop |
Separable? | No |
For our sixth meaning of 'get into', let's turn our attention away from the idea of being involved in something and focus instead on the idea of reaching a state or condition.
Nouns commonly used with this application....
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To clarify, this application is used for when we find ourselves in a new situation, state or condition and as you can see from the list above, these are typically negative in nature.
For example, if you get into trouble, then you either find yourself in a problematic situation or in a situation where you have done something wrong and are going to be punished for it. A useful idiom for this particular situation that is useful to know here is 'to get into hot water'.
Moreover, if a room gets into a mess, then it becomes untidy and if you get into a panic, then your body enters fight or flight mode and you start panicking.
In all of the examples above, a new negative situation is reached, where previously there was no problem, negativity or untidiness.
Kate got into difficulties when she was swimming in the sea as the current was so strong.
Jamie got into trouble with the police a few years ago but didn't go to prison.
Robert got into a state at the funeral and could not stop crying.
Peter got into hot water with the tax office.
How did this situation get into such a mess?!
One other noun that is frequently heard with this application of 'get into' is 'habit' and we use this as a synonym of 'develop' in this sense. It is possible for this to be used with both good and bad habits.
During the summer holidays, I got into the habit of sleeping late.
Don't get into the habit of skipping breakfast; it is the most important meal of the day.
Try and get into the habit of running at least three times a week and drinking more water.
WHAT HAS GOT INTO YOU?
While we are on this subject, I want to make you aware of a very common use of this application, which is the expression 'get into someone', which is usually heard in question form as 'what has got into you / him / her etc...?'
We use this particular phrase when someone is not acting as they normally do or a bit strangely. Typically, it is when he or she is misbehaving or displaying some other kind of negative behaviour and we do not know the reason for it.
You can probably guess from the picture above, but we can also use it for cats, dogs and other pets too which start behaving in a strange or abnormal way.
What has got into you today? You have been in a terrible mood ever since breakfast!
My dog has been barking and growling all morning. I don't know what has gotten into him!
MEANING 7: To put on an item of clothing
CEFR Language Level | C1 - Advanced |
Usage | Medium |
Where is it used? | Everywhere |
Potential synonyms | To put on, to wear, to squeeze into |
Separable? | No |
It's time for a complete change of meaning now for our seventh usage of 'get into' as this one is all about fashion and simply means 'to put on an item of clothing'.
Nouns commonly used with this application....
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Firstly, we can use 'get into' here to mean to put on an item of clothing in a general sense.
I can't wait to get home and get into my comfortable clothes.
Give me 5 minutes to get into something presentable!
Following a long day at work, Mike quickly got into his pyjamas and relaxed on the couch.
After the hike, they all got into clean clothes before heading out for dinner.
However, you should note that more often than not, 'get into' is used in reference to clothing when there is some difficulty putting on an item, typically because it is too small. It may be used in reference to a specific item, such as a pair of jeans or a wedding dress or to talk about a specific size of clothing that a person either manages or fails to put on.
Sarah got into her workout gear before heading to the gym.
Luke struggled to get into his new pair of jeans because they were a bit tight.
Amanda got into her wedding dress with the help of her bridesmaids.
I can’t believe how long it takes Miranda to get into her costume for the play!
Louise was so happy when she managed to get into a size 8 dress for the first time since having her baby.
There is no way that I will get into a medium-sized suit!
MEANING 8: To arrive
CEFR Language Level | C1 - Advanced |
Usage | Medium |
Where is it used? | Everywhere |
Potential synonyms | To arrive, to reach |
Separable? | No |
We have now arrived at our final meaning of 'get into' and amazingly I have managed to come up with more brilliant word play again as this meaning is...you guessed it... 'to arrive'!
Nouns commonly used with this application....
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Normally, this usage is not used as a synonym for 'to arrive' in all situations but specifically when talking about towns and cities, usually when arriving there on public transport. It can also be used for transport buildings such as stations and airports.
My train gets into Montreal at 5pm today.
I think my plane will get into Los Angeles around 6.30am.
What time do you get into Glasgow tomorrow?
Lisa and Jean Michel got into Paris just as the sun was setting.
By the time the train got into the station, all of the shops had closed.
My uncle's plane gets into Heathrow Airport this afternoon.
Aside from the nouns mentioned above, we can also use this application of 'get into' to talk about work and places of work like offices.
I usually get into the office around 8:30 AM.
Margaret always gets into work early to avoid the morning rush.
Kevin didn't get into work until after 11 this morning.
On a grammatical note, a noun or a proper noun is usually always required after 'into' in this application otherwise the sentence sounds unfinished. If you already know what the city or place of arrival is and do not want to repeat it, you can just use 'get in' (link here) instead as a noun is not required here and it means the same thing.
IDIOM ALERT!
To end the post, I want to just make you aware of a couple of useful idioms featuring the phrasal verb 'get into' that are worth memorising and using.
To get into the swing of things - This expression is used in situations when you do something new and after a period of uncertainty, you start to understand and get used to the new situation, often with an element of enjoyment too. An alternative to this is 'to get into the swing of it'.
I didn't enjoy my new job at first but once I got into the swing of things, I began to enjoy it.
To get into your stride - This British idiom is very similar to the previous one and almost means the same thing. If you get into your stride, you start to become confident with something new that you are doing as it is becomes familiar to you.
The cyclists were very cautious in the first part of the race but once they get into their stride, their was no stopping them
To get into the festive / Christmas spirit - Our last idiom is one that is really only every used in December (and maybe early January for some) and means to feel the positive feelings that are associated with Christmas and to participate in Christmas-based activities.
It took me a while to get into the Christmas spirit this year as work was so stressful.
We have now reached the end of this post and I just want to say thank you for clicking on my post and reading it. I hope that you've enjoyed it and have been able to learn something new about the phrasal verb 'get into'. If you enjoyed this post, please go ahead and check out some of my other posts.
Now it is YOUR turn. Can you think of a sentence yourself using 'get into'. Write it in the comments section below if you can, or alternatively any comments, suggestions or feedback that you may have....don't be shy!!!
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