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get to

A2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To arrive somewhere, to have a chance to do something, or to make someone feel upset.

Literal meaning: To arrive at a physical location — transparent in the travel sense.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To arrive at or reach a place.

"What time do you think you'll get to the station?"

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 idiomatic neutral

To have the opportunity or permission to do something enjoyable.

"She got to meet her favourite author at the book festival."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To affect someone emotionally, causing distress, annoyance, or sadness.

"I try not to let negative comments get to me, but sometimes it's hard."

Grammar: inseparable
4 B1 neutral

To reach a particular stage, point, or level in a process.

"We need to get to the core of the problem before we can propose a solution."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Extremely common across many uses. 'Get to do something' (have the opportunity) is particularly useful for ESL learners. 'It really gets to me' (emotional sense) is very common informal English. 'Get to the point' is a fixed expression.

Commonly used with

point know bottom of work stage truth someone heart

Forms

Base
get to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets to
he/she/it
Past simple
got to
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten to
have + pp
-ing form
getting to
continuous

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Synonyms

arrive at reach manage to be able to affect bother

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