could not get

USAGE SUMMARY

"could not get" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express an inability to attain or acquire something. For example, "I could not get the tickets in time for the show."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They could not get on.

The Economist

It could not get better.

The New York Times - Sports

"Could not get through it.

The New York Times

Fans could not get enough.

The New York Times - Sports

I could not get to them.

The New York Times

Things surely could not get much worse.

The Economist

He could not get the third.

The New York Times

And Jack could not get over it.

The New York Times

"I could not get a better one.

The New Yorker

People, I guess, could not get financing.

The New York Times

Their leadoff man could not get on.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could not get", ensure the context clearly indicates what could not be obtained or achieved. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "could not get" in situations where a stronger, more direct verb would be appropriate. Overuse can dilute the impact of your writing. For example, instead of "I could not get him to understand", try "I failed to convince him."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not get" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating an inability or failure to obtain, achieve, or understand something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

30%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could not get" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express an inability to obtain, achieve, or understand something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is widely accepted in the English language. While it is considered a common phrase, it's register leans slightly towards the informal side. Its prevalent contexts include News & Media, Science, and Sports. When aiming for increased formality, consider alternatives such as "failed to obtain" or "was unable to acquire". Remember to use "could not get" in scenarios where the intended meaning is clear. By understanding its nuances and potential alternatives, you can use this expression effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not succeed in getting

States a general failure to obtain, with no specific reason given.

failed to obtain

Emphasizes a lack of success in acquiring something.

was unable to acquire

Highlights the incapacity to get something, often formally.

did not manage to secure

Focuses on the unsuccessful attempt to make something safe or assured.

found it impossible to gain

Expresses a sense of insurmountable difficulty in obtaining something.

met with failure in acquiring

Formally indicates a lack of success in an acquisition attempt.

were unsuccessful in attaining

Highlights lack of success in reaching a goal.

had no luck in finding

Suggests that the failure was due to chance or circumstance.

was denied access to

Implies that something was actively withheld or prevented.

couldn't procure

Implies an effort to get something, often through special means, that ultimately failed.

FAQs

How to use "could not get" in a sentence?

Use "could not get" to indicate an inability to obtain, achieve, or understand something. For example, "I could not get the job" or "I could not get what he meant".

What can I say instead of "could not get"?

You can use alternatives like "failed to obtain", "was unable to acquire", or "did not succeed in getting" depending on the context.

Is "could not get" formal or informal?

"Could not get" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "was unable to acquire".

Which is correct, "could not get" or "couldn't get"?

Both "could not get" and "couldn't get" are correct. "Couldn't get" is a contraction and is more informal, while "could not get" is more formal.