Meaning trap
get out of
avoid doing something
to manage not to do something you should do, often by making excuses or finding a way around it.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to manage not to do something you should do, often by making excuses or finding a way around it.
Another meaning of 'get out of' is 'leave a place or situation'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
He always tries to get out of doing the dishes after dinner.
Some people try to get out of their responsibilities at work, but I believe it's important to do your part.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: She got out of to do the washing up.
Say: She got out of doing the washing up.
'Get out of' takes '-ing' or a noun, not a to-infinitive.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Get out of' is the natural verb for wriggling out of an obligation; the formal version is an HR email.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
get out of + duty
- doing it
- the meeting
- chores
- going
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- get out of (leave a place or situation) — Another meaning of 'get out of' is 'leave a place or situation'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.