GET BY

National Parks

📖 Definition

Get by means to manage to survive or deal adequately with something, often with limited resources or under challenging circumstances.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

Get by means to manage to survive or deal adequately with something, often with limited resources or under challenging circumstances.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The object cannot come between the verb and preposition.
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Neutral
Used in both informal and neutral contexts.
Transitive
No
Does not require a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple get by She works two jobs to get by.
Past Simple got by During tough times, they got by with little.
Present Continuous getting by He is getting by with freelance work.
Present Perfect gotten by They have gotten by on a tight budget.

💡 When to Use

Limited resources
Use 'get by' when describing managing or surviving on scarce resources or means.
Example: "With one salary, they manage to get by each month."
Difficult circumstances
Use it to express enduring or managing through tough or challenging conditions in life.
Example: "Despite the flu, she continues to get by at work."
Barely sufficient
Apply it when referring to barely meeting the necessary requirements or standards.
Example: "His grades are just enough to get by in school."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong preposition usage
❌ Wrong: She get on by with little money.
✅ Correct: She gets by with little money.
💡 Tip: Remember, use 'by' after 'get'.
Incorrect tense form
❌ Wrong: They getting by for years.
✅ Correct: They have been getting by for years.
💡 Tip: Use 'have been' for continuous past actions.
Extra words
❌ Wrong: She's getting by on just fine.
✅ Correct: She's getting by just fine.
💡 Tip: Avoid unnecessary extra prepositions.
Practice

GET BY - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

manage survive

Antonyms

prosper

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"He had to sell his car to ___ during the recession."

get over
get by
get in
get out

"In moments of challenge, remember that to get by is not just to survive, but to find strength in simplicity and perseverance."

In Context

During the Great Depression, many American families faced severe economic hardship. Jane Smith, a mother of three living in rural Kansas, found ways to get by against the odds. With her husband out of work, Jane had to be resourceful to keep the family afloat. She started a small vegetable garden and traded produce for other essentials, helping the family get by from week to week. Community support played a critical role during this time. Neighbors would gather to share skills and resources, helping each other get by with what little they had. Potlucks became common, providing not only sustenance but also a sense of companionship and collective resilience. Jane's eldest daughter, Mary, contributed by sewing clothes from old fabric scraps. Her ingenuity paid off and the extra income helped the Smiths get by during cold winters. This period taught Jane’s family valuable lessons in frugality and cooperation, allowing them to emerge stronger when the economy eventually improved. Despite the struggles, Jane's ability to get by instilled hope and resilience in her children, illustrating how adversity can breed innovation and community solidarity. Jane’s story is a testament to the potential for human ingenuity and solidarity in times of hardship.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Get By

What is the origin of get by?

+
The phrase 'get by' likely originated in the early 20th century and has nautical roots, as sailors referred to 'getting by' as safely passing obstacles or challenges at sea.

Can get by be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Get by' is typically used in informal and neutral contexts. It may not suit highly formal writing but is appropriate in everyday conversation and general communication.

What is the difference between get by and manage?

+
Both 'get by' and 'manage' imply handling situations, but 'get by' often suggests minimal or just sufficient means, while 'manage' can indicate more control or competence over the situation.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

follow upget alongget aroundget involvedget up
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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