didn't get through

USAGE SUMMARY

'didn't get through' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation in which someone or something is trying to reach a certain point but fails to do so. For example: "I called the customer service line, but I didn't get through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I'd be devastated if I didn't get through," she says.

Independent

I was also aware there were attempts to reach infectious disease specialists but it turned out the staff had the wrong number, so didn't get through," Cafferkey said.

The Guardian

"This was the first year we didn't get through," Mrs. Williams, 72, a poll worker for more then 20 years, said.

The New York Times

The team also looked at players Rashad Vaughn, Justin Anderson and Delon Wright; forward Cliff Alexander didn't get through his workout, suffering a knee injury.

Los Angeles Times

I didn't get through.

The New York Times - Magazine

HARVEY WEINSTEIN'S didn't get through.

The New York Times

I didn't get through to this poor family".

The New York Times - Magazine

He called repeatedly, adding £20 to his telephone bill, but didn't get through to the programme.

The Economist

Though he didn't get through the front entrance, he dropped off his package.

The New York Times

I first appointed the Harrums [name unclear] commission, which didn't get through to the real truth.

The Guardian

Who knows how many dollars waiting to be pledged didn't get through?

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "didn't get through" in the context of communication, ensure the subject and object are clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify who or what didn't get through to whom or what.

Common error

Avoid substituting "didn't get through" with phrases that have different connotations. For instance, "didn't go through" might imply a conscious decision to bypass something, whereas "didn't get through" suggests an unsuccessful attempt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "didn't get through" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating a failure to pass a barrier, establish communication, or succeed in an attempt. Ludwig demonstrates this with examples from news, sports, and personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "didn't get through" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate a failure to pass a barrier, establish communication, or achieve a desired outcome. As Ludwig highlights, it's frequently found in news and media contexts, with examples ranging from sports to politics. While generally considered neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be appropriate in academic writing. Common errors include confusing it with phrases that have slightly different connotations, such as "didn't go through". Overall, the phrase is widely understood and effectively conveys a lack of success in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

didn't make it through

Implies a failure to survive a process or competition.

failed to reach

Indicates a failure to achieve contact or communication.

was not admitted

Highlights a denial of entry or acceptance.

didn't manage to pass

Focuses on the inability to successfully navigate or overcome an obstacle.

didn't clear

Focuses on failing to overcome an obstacle or hurdle.

was unable to penetrate

Highlights the failure to break through a barrier, either physical or metaphorical.

the message failed to resonate

Indicates the failure of a message to have an impact or be understood.

didn't succeed in contacting

Specifically addresses the inability to establish communication with someone.

didn't achieve transmission

Emphasizes the lack of successful transference of signal or communication.

failed to communicate

Emphasizes the lack of successful transmission of information.

FAQs

How can I use "didn't get through" in a sentence?

You can use "didn't get through" to describe a failed attempt to pass an obstacle, like "The runner "didn't get through" the qualifying round" or a failed communication attempt, like "I called but "didn't get through" to customer service".

What's the difference between "didn't get through" and "didn't go through"?

"Didn't get through" suggests a failed attempt to pass or communicate, while "didn't go through" indicates a deliberate bypassing or avoidance of something.

What can I say instead of "didn't get through" when referring to communication?

You can use alternatives like "failed to reach", "couldn't connect with", or "was unable to contact" depending on the specific context.

Is it formal to use the expression "didn't get through"?

The expression "didn't get through" is generally considered informal and can be used in various contexts. However, in formal writing, it may be better to use more formal alternatives such as "failed to penetrate" or "didn't manage to pass".