to get around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to get around" is a commonly used and accepted phrase in written English.
It is a phrasal verb meaning to move around or to find a way around, as in be evasive or to find a solution to a problem. Example sentence: I'm trying to get around the new regulations affecting our business.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(She seems to get around).

The New York Times

How are you going to get around?

The New York Times

I'm just hoping to get around".

Independent

"They have to get around".

The New York Times

It's impossible to get around..

The New Yorker

He is unable to get around easily.

The Washington Post

It's easy to get around by train.

The Guardian - Travel

"There's no way to get around that.

The New York Times - Sports

What's the best way to get around?

The Guardian

Quicker to get around on horseback.

The New York Times - Sports

I need the cabbies to get around".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing transportation options in a new city, use "to get around" to clearly communicate how people can travel within the area.

Common error

Avoid using "get around" in passive constructions where the subject doesn't actively perform the movement. Instead of saying 'The city is gotten around by bus', say 'People get around the city by bus'.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "to get around" primarily functions as an intransitive verb indicating movement or navigation. It can also function as a transitive verb when referring to finding ways to avoid rules or obstacles. Ludwig provides examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "to get around" is a versatile and commonly used expression that encompasses both physical movement and the ability to circumvent obstacles. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and its usage spans various contexts from news and media to scientific literature. While it's crucial to avoid passive voice constructions, understanding its multiple meanings allows for precise and effective communication. Whether you're describing transportation options or strategies for overcoming challenges, "to get around" is a valuable addition to your linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to navigate

Focuses on the act of finding a way through or around obstacles.

to circumvent

Emphasizes finding a way to avoid rules or restrictions.

to travel

Highlights the act of moving from one place to another.

to move about

Stresses the ability to change location or position.

to find a way through

Suggests overcoming obstacles to achieve a destination.

to bypass

Indicates avoiding something, often a problem or obstacle.

to get through

Implies overcoming a difficult situation or obstacle.

to make one's way

Focuses on effort and progress in moving through a space or situation.

to maneuver

Highlights skillful or strategic movement.

to tour

Focuses on visiting multiple places in a structured manner.

FAQs

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

You can use "to get around" to describe methods of transportation or ways to navigate a system. For example: "It's easy to get around the city by subway", or "She found a way to get around the regulations".

What does "to get around" mean?

"To get around" has a few meanings. It can mean to travel or move from place to place, or it can mean to find a way to avoid or overcome a problem or rule. The meaning depends on the context.

What can I say instead of "to get around" when referring to travel?

When referring to travel, you can use alternatives like "to navigate", "to travel", or "to move about". These alternatives focus on the act of moving from place to place.

How does "to get around" differ from "to circumvent"?

While both phrases can mean to avoid something, "to get around" is more general and can refer to physical movement or avoiding rules. "To circumvent" /s/to+circumvent/ specifically implies finding a way to avoid a rule or restriction, often in a clever or strategic way.