get through to

USAGE SUMMARY

"get through to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe effective communication, either verbal or non-verbal. For example, you might say, "I was finally able to get through to her and we agreed on a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Can you get through to these people?

The New York Times

But you can't get through to him.

The New York Times - Sports

Can anyone get through to him?

The Guardian - Sport

Maybe she thought she could get through to me.

The New York Times

Lancelot (Ralph Fiennes) can't get through to him.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times - Magazine

That he was just trying to get through to her.

The New York Times

He had to help them get through to Timothy.

The New Yorker

If I get through to the final, anything can happen.

Independent

"You don't get through to Seth Waxman," Ms. Billotte said.

The New York Times

An inability to get through to the call centre.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get through to" when you want to emphasize that communication was challenging or required effort. For instance, "It was hard to get through to him at first, but eventually, he understood my point."

Common error

Avoid using "get through to" when simple communication is intended. "I need to get through to my manager" sounds like the manager is difficult, while "I need to contact my manager" is more neutral.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "get through to" primarily functions as a communicative verb, indicating successful communication or influence, often after initial difficulty. As Ludwig shows, it highlights the effort required to make a connection or convey a message effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

7%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get through to" is a versatile phrasal verb that denotes successful communication, especially when facing challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence. It's important to remember the nuance of effort and difficulty when using this phrase, opting for simpler alternatives like "contact" or "reach" when the communication is straightforward. With a neutral register and strong presence in news and media, "get through to" is a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit, so long as its specific connotation is kept in mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reach someone

Focuses on establishing contact or communication, omitting the implication of overcoming difficulty.

connect with someone

Emphasizes establishing a rapport or understanding.

make contact with

Highlights the act of establishing contact, often without specifying the result.

communicate effectively with

Stresses the quality of communication, implying clarity and understanding.

get a message across to

Focuses on successfully conveying a specific piece of information.

impart understanding to

Emphasizes the transmission of understanding or knowledge.

find common ground with

Highlights the discovery of shared interests or beliefs, leading to connection.

establish rapport with

Emphasizes building a positive and harmonious relationship.

gain the understanding of

Focuses on the process of being understood by another person.

have an impact on

Highlights influencing someone's thoughts or actions.

FAQs

How can I use "get through to" in a sentence?

You can use "get through to" to describe successfully communicating with someone, often after facing difficulty. For instance: "I tried to "reach him" all day, but I couldn't "get through to" him until late in the evening."

What does "get through to" mean?

"Get through to" means to successfully communicate with someone or make them understand something, especially after facing difficulty or resistance. It implies overcoming a barrier in communication.

What can I say instead of "get through to"?

Alternatives to "get through to" include "reach someone", "connect with someone", or "make contact with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "get through to"?

It's appropriate to use "get through to" when you want to emphasize the difficulty or effort involved in communicating with someone or conveying a message successfully. If communication was straightforward, other phrases might be more suitable.