get into the way

USAGE SUMMARY

The use of the phrase 'get into the way' is not technically correct, as the phrase is usually used as 'get in the way'.
However, it is possible to use 'get into the way' in informal conversation or writing. For example: "I was walking to the store, but my old neighbor got into the way and stopped to chat."

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"You don't let anybody get into the way of that.

The New York Times - Sports

Social considerations get into the way when they enter high school.

The New York Times

I wanted to get into the way that he thought about things.

The Guardian - Books

The show isn't "meta," either; it doesn't get into the way that media coverage affects the events it's covering.

The New Yorker

I have to get into the way he thinks, think the way he thinks, and how he will answer those questions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's going to take him a little while to get into the way we do things," said Jefferson, who sparked Thursday's events by laughing at Mourning when he was struggling through running drills.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The study doesn't even get into the ways that race and ethnicity intersect with class in employers' minds.

Huffington Post

Before we get into the ways of side-stepping letting agents completely, there are ways of going the normal route more cheaply.

Vice

She smiled a lot, never got into the way, and we didn't mind having her".

The New York Times

On a day she went to Carragh she left the house at a quarter past two; she'd got into the way of that.

The New Yorker

Clearly, audiences want something that they've seen before, or at least they know what they're getting into, the way they would pick up a certain brand of ice cream or a piece of J. Crew clothing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using the more common and grammatically preferred phrase "get in the way" for broader acceptance and clarity.

Common error

Be mindful of the subtle difference between "get into the way" and "get in the way". While "get into the way" isn't incorrect, "get in the way" is more widely accepted. Choose "get in the way" for greater clarity and adherence to standard usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get into the way" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating obstruction or interference. As Ludwig AI points out, it's less common than "get in the way", which is more widely accepted and grammatically preferred.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get into the way" is an idiomatic expression used to denote obstruction or interference. However, as Ludwig AI clarifies, it is crucial to remember that while not strictly incorrect, the phrase "get in the way" is generally more common and preferred in standard English. Although the phrase can be found in various sources, it is important to notice that its usage ranges from neutral to informal contexts. While "get into the way" might be suitable in less formal settings, opting for "get in the way" will often result in greater clarity and wider acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obstruct the path

Replaces "get into" with "obstruct" and uses "path" instead of "way", focusing on physical obstruction.

stand in the road

Uses 'road' instead of 'way' and 'stand' instead of 'get', still indicating physical obstruction.

hinder progress

Focuses on the result of obstruction, which is slowing down or stopping progress.

impede movement

Similar to "obstruct the path", but emphasizes the act of making movement difficult.

interfere with the process

Shifts the focus to a process being disrupted, rather than a physical path.

disrupt the flow

Highlights the disruption of a smooth and continuous flow or activity.

get in the line of sight

Focuses on visually blocking something rather than just physically impeding it.

obstruct the view

This suggests that something is physically blocking what someone is looking at.

be an obstacle

Simplifies the phrase to a noun describing something that blocks or hinders.

hold up the works

An idiomatic expression that suggests stopping or delaying a project or operation.

FAQs

Is "get into the way" grammatically correct?

While not technically incorrect, "get into the way" is less common than "get in the way". The latter is generally preferred in standard English.

What does "get into the way" mean?

Similar to "get in the way", it implies obstructing or hindering something, although its usage is less frequent.

When should I use "get into the way" instead of "get in the way"?

It's generally advisable to use "get in the way" in most contexts due to its wider acceptance. "Get into the way" might be acceptable in informal settings, but it's best to use it sparingly.

What are some alternatives to "get into the way"?

Consider using phrases like "obstruct the path", "hinder progress", or "interfere with the process" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.