Understanding the Phrasal Verb "Get Around To"
We all have those lingering tasks on our to-do lists—the leaking faucet, the stack of unread books, or that long-overdue email to an old friend. When we finally find the time to tackle one of these lingering chores, we use the phrasal verb get around to. It is a common, expressive idiom that perfectly captures the feeling of overcoming procrastination or a busy schedule to accomplish something that has been waiting for our attention.
What Does "Get Around To" Mean?
At its core, get around to means to finally find the time or the motivation to do something that you have been intending to do for a while. It implies that there have been obstacles—usually a lack of time, competing priorities, or simple hesitation—that kept you from completing the task sooner.
Think of it as the point where "I should do this" finally turns into "I am doing this."
Grammar and Usage Patterns
Understanding how to structure this phrasal verb is key to using it naturally. Here are the primary patterns:
- Get around to + noun (the task): "I finally got around to the laundry."
- Get around to + gerund (the -ing form of a verb): "She eventually got around to fixing the broken shelf."
Because "to" here acts as a preposition, you must always follow it with a noun or a gerund (-ing verb). You cannot follow it with the base form of a verb (the infinitive). For example, you should say, "I got around to calling him," not "I got around to call him."
Common Examples in Daily Life
Here are a few ways you might hear this phrase used in natural conversation:
- "I’ve been meaning to clean out the garage for months, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet."
- "Do you think the manager will get around to reading your report by Friday?"
- "I finally got around to watching that movie everyone has been talking about."
- "Sorry I haven't replied to your text; I haven't gotten around to checking my phone today."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even advanced learners sometimes stumble with this phrasal verb. Here are the most frequent errors:
- The Infinitive Error: As mentioned above, avoid using the base verb. Never say "I got around to study." Always use the gerund: "I got around to studying."
- The "It" Factor: People often forget that because it is a transitive phrasal verb, it usually needs an object. If the context is clear, you can use "it" as the object: "I haven't gotten around to it."
- Tense Confusion: Remember that "get" is irregular. In the past tense, use "got." In the present perfect (when discussing something you haven't finished yet), use "have/has gotten" or "have/has got."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "get around to" formal or informal?
It is considered casual and informal. You would use it in conversation with friends or in relaxed emails to coworkers, but it might be too informal for a high-level academic paper or a very formal legal document.
Can I use "get around to" to talk about future plans?
Yes, you can! You can say, "I hope to get around to finishing the project next week." This implies you have the intention but haven't started yet.
What is the difference between "get around to" and "manage to"?
While similar, "manage to" emphasizes the difficulty or the success of overcoming an obstacle. "Get around to" specifically emphasizes the delay or the fact that the task was postponed until now.
Do I have to say "gotten" or "got"?
In American English, "gotten" is the standard past participle. In British English, "got" is commonly used as the past participle. Both are widely understood, so choose the one that fits your region.
Conclusion
The phrase get around to is a versatile tool that helps you talk about the realities of productivity and time management. Whether you are explaining why a task was delayed or celebrating the fact that you finally crossed it off your list, this phrasal verb hits the perfect note. Now that you have learned how to use it, why not try to get around to incorporating it into your next English conversation today?