get around to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get around to" is a valid and commonly used expression in written English.
To use it, you can describe a situation in which someone initiates an action after a period of procrastination or delay. For example, you could say, "I finally got around to mowing the lawn this afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Money I'd never get around to spending".

The New Yorker

But I never get around to it.

Harvard Business Review

"I never get around to it.

The New York Times

"He'll get around to them, all rightie".

The New Yorker

They always get around to blaming you.

The Guardian - Books

(Apple did not get around to that until 2005).

The Economist

We did not get around to mentioning AIDS until 1986.

The New Yorker

I'm sure I'll get around to whipping it up.

The New York Times - Food

Then, perhaps, she'll get around to writing more songs.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"But she never gets around to it".

The New York Times - Style

I finally got around to it.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to convey a sense of realism or humility when discussing tasks that have been delayed or neglected.

Common error

A frequent mistake is using the base form of the verb after the preposition "to". Because "to" is part of the phrasal verb and not an infinitive marker here, it must be followed by a gerund. Incorrect: "I will get around to fix it". Correct: "I will get around to fixing it".

How to use

Learn how to use "get around to" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get around to" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb followed by a prepositional object (usually a gerund or noun). It serves as a temporal marker indicating the transition from procrastination to action. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often appears in the negative or future tense to express intended or failed productivity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "get around to" is a highly versatile and essential phrasal verb in English. As demonstrated by the extensive data from Ludwig, it is most commonly used to describe finally initiating a task that has been postponed. The most critical grammatical takeaway is its requirement for a gerund (-ing form) or noun, a rule often overlooked by non-native speakers. While it is widely accepted in professional and journalistic writing, it carries a conversational tone that suggests a busy or slightly disorganized schedule. Whether you are using it in a personal blog or a news report for The New Yorker, it remains a reliable way to discuss the realities of human procrastination and the eventual fulfillment of duties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get round to

Standard British English variant of the same expression

find time for

Focuses on the scheduling aspect rather than the procrastination element

make time for

Implies a more active or intentional effort to prioritize a task

tackle

Suggests a more vigorous or determined approach to starting a task

attend to

A more formal and professional way to describe dealing with a matter

address

Used in professional contexts to indicate dealing with a specific issue

manage to

Highlights the difficulty or effort involved in finally starting

handle

Focuses on the execution of the task rather than the delay

see to

Common in British English to mean ensuring a task is completed

deal with

A broad alternative covering the handling of any task or person

FAQs

Is it "get around to doing" or "get around to do"?

The correct form is "get around to doing". In this expression, "to" is a preposition, which must be followed by a gerund or a noun. Using the infinitive "to do" is a common grammatical error.

What is the difference between "get around to" and "get around"?

While both use the same base, "get around" usually refers to physical movement or bypassing an obstacle, whereas "get around to" specifically means finally finding the time to do something.

Can I use "get around to" in a business email?

Yes, it is acceptable in most professional emails, though if you want to sound more formal or decisive, you might prefer "address this matter" or "attend to".

Is "get around to" the same as "get round to"?

Yes, they have the exact same meaning. "get round to" is the preferred spelling in British English, while "get around to" is standard in American English.