get the drift

USAGE SUMMARY

"get the drift" is correct and usable in written English.
"Get the drift" can be used to indicate that someone has understood or figured out what someone else is trying to say. For example: After hearing her explanation, I finally got the drift of what she was trying to tell me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But you get the drift.

The New Yorker

Get the drift?

The Washington Post

Lawmakers in Montana get the drift.

The New York Times

You get the drift: history is a brain freeze.

The New York Times

People borrow more, spend more — you get the drift.

The New York Times

Not his exact words, but you get the drift.

The New York Times

Get the drift right, and the fly wrong, same response.

The New York Times - Sports

I don't expect everyone to get the drift, and I don't always get the drift myself, but I am willing enough to be transported".

The Guardian - Music

But Ms von Storch's team signed up for football.You get the drift.

The Economist

Somehow, "brand" doesn't sufficiently prime the pump for "maison," but you get the drift.

The New York Times

After that it will be Park Avenue Spring — you get the drift.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get the drift" to ensure your audience understands the general idea without needing every specific detail. For example, "I won't bore you with all the technicalities, but you get the drift."

Common error

Avoid using "get the drift" when you need precise understanding, as it implies a general grasp rather than a complete comprehension. Instead, ask specific questions to confirm full understanding.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "get the drift" functions as a verb phrase indicating comprehension. It's used to express that someone understands the main idea or general sense of something, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Academia

4%

Reference

3%

Less common in

Tech

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get the drift" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase used to indicate a general understanding of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While most frequently found in News & Media, it maintains an informal to neutral register. It's essential to consider the context and required level of precision before using this phrase, opting for more formal alternatives when necessary to ensure clear and accurate communication. The phrase conveys the comprehension of an idea without delving into exhaustive details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understand the gist

Focuses on understanding the main point or essence of something, rather than all the details.

grasp the meaning

Emphasizes understanding the intended meaning behind something.

comprehend the idea

Highlights a more formal or intellectual understanding of an idea.

fathom the situation

Suggests a deeper level of understanding, often in a complex or confusing situation.

see the point

Indicates understanding the purpose or reason behind something.

realize the implication

Focuses on understanding the consequences or effects of something.

take the hint

Implies understanding something that is not explicitly stated.

become aware

Highlights the process of gaining knowledge about a specific subject.

catch on

Suggests understanding something quickly or suddenly.

figure out

Emphasizes the cognitive effort involved in reaching an understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "get the drift" in a sentence?

You can use "get the drift" to indicate that someone understands the main idea or general point of something. For example, "I didn't explain everything in detail, but I think they "get the drift"."

What's a more formal alternative to "get the drift"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "understand the gist" or "comprehend the idea", which convey a similar meaning with greater formality.

Is "get the drift" appropriate for academic writing?

While "get the drift" is widely understood, it's generally too informal for academic writing. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives such as "grasp the meaning" or "understand the implication" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean to "get the drift" of something?

To ""get the drift"" means to understand the general idea or main point without necessarily knowing all the specific details. It implies a basic level of comprehension.