WordVale

get across

to communicate successfully

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to communicate or explain something so that people understand it

2. (verb) to move from one side of something to the other side

Examples

• 1. The teacher tried to get the main idea across to the students.
• 2. We need to get across the river before dark.

How to use get across

Get across means to successfully convey or communicate an idea, message, or information so that others understand it. It is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts and emphasizes not just speaking but ensuring comprehension. The literal sense (moving from one side to another) is less frequent in modern usage.

Common phrases

• get across an idea
• get across a message
• get your point across
• struggle to get across
• manage to get across

Synonyms

communicate · convey · put across · explain · impart

Word family

get · across

A common mistake

Learners sometimes forget the particle 'across' and use only 'get' for communication, or confuse it with 'get through' which emphasizes making contact or establishing communication rather than ensuring understanding.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

fill in, find out, follow up, get by, get over, give in

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained