1 B1 neutral
To manage adequately using what you have, even if it is not ideal.
"We only have two laptops, but we can get by with them for now."
inseparable
get by with
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To manage a situation using only the limited resources, tools, or skills you have.
In plain English
To be able to manage using something you have, even if it isn't the best.
What does "get by with" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To have just enough of a skill or resource to function in a situation.
"You can get by with a basic knowledge of grammar, but fluency requires much more."
inseparable
Usage tip
Often used when explaining you have something limited but sufficient: 'We can get by with what we have.' Similar to 'make do with' but slightly more optimistic in tone.
Words that pair with "get by with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
what little it one less minimum
How to conjugate "get by with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
get by with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets by with
he/she/it
Past simple
got by with
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten by with
have + pp
-ing form
getting by with
continuous
Hear "get by with" in the wild
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Other ways to say "get by with"
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