get past

USAGE SUMMARY

"get past" is an acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to things that cause difficulty or blocks to your progress or success, usually when you have to make a concerted effort to overcome the obstacle. For example, "I'm determined to get past this problem and succeed in my studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They can't get past it.

The New York Times

To get past it.

Nature

You get past that".

The New York Times - Sports

"We'll get past this," she said.

The New Yorker

I hope they can get past this.

The New York Times

He can run, pass, get past opponents".

The New York Times - Sports

I just can't get past it.

The New York Times

He has to get past that".

The New York Times - Sports

So they decided to get past it.

The New York Times

We have to get past that.

The New York Times

You can get past the nits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get past" to convey the idea of successfully navigating an obstacle, whether physical, emotional, or conceptual.

Common error

Avoid using "past" as a substitute for "get past" when you want to express overcoming a challenge. "Past" refers to a time that has gone by, while "get past" refers to the action of moving beyond something.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "get past" is that of a phrasal verb, typically used transitively to describe the act of successfully overcoming or moving beyond a physical, emotional, or metaphorical obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is acceptable and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "get past" is a versatile and frequently used expression signifying the act of overcoming obstacles, difficulties, or challenges. Ludwig AI attests to its acceptability and widespread use across various contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it finds prevalent application in News & Media. For more formal writing styles, alternatives like "overcome" or "move beyond" might be preferred. Remember to use "get past" when you want to communicate the idea of successfully navigating a hurdle, be it physical, emotional, or conceptual. Avoid confusing "get past" with the word "past", which refers to a time gone by. With its frequent occurrence and clear purpose, mastering "get past" will enhance clarity and impact in both your written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get over

Similar meaning, but more often used in the context of emotional recovery.

overcome

A more formal single-word alternative emphasizing the act of conquering a challenge.

leave behind

Emphasizes the act of putting something in the past and not dwelling on it.

move beyond

Focuses on the act of progressing forward after an impediment.

push through

Highlights the effort and determination required to overcome something.

surmount

A more elevated and literary term for overcoming.

break through

Implies a sudden and decisive overcoming of a barrier.

rise above

Emphasizes a sense of moral or emotional triumph over a difficulty.

bypass

Suggests avoiding the obstacle rather than directly confronting it.

transcend

Indicates moving beyond the limitations of a situation to a higher level.

FAQs

How can I use "get past" in a sentence?

Use "get past" to describe overcoming an obstacle, like "We need to "get past" this technical issue to launch the product" or "It took a long time to "get past" the grief after the loss".

What is a good alternative to "get past"?

Alternatives to "get past" include "overcome", "move beyond", or "surmount", depending on the specific context. For example, "overcome" suggests actively conquering a challenge.

Is "get past" formal or informal?

"Get past" is generally considered neutral in register and can be used in both informal and formal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "overcome" might be preferred in academic writing.

What does "get past" mean when referring to people?

When referring to people, "get past" often means to overcome a personal issue or emotional barrier related to that person, as in "I need to "get past" my resentment toward him".