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get into — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings
get into
become interested inenter a place or statebe admitted (institution)

Meaning 1 · most common

become interested in

  • get into sth
  • informal
A scene showing “get into” meaning “start to like a hobby”.

To start liking or becoming involved in an activity, subject, or hobby.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I really got into cooking during the lockdown and now I try new recipes every week.

A: How did you start playing the guitar?
B: I got into it after hearing my friend play at a party.

Common mistake

Not: I got into run last year.

Say: I got into running last year.

'Get into' is followed by the -ing form, not the base verb.

More on “become interested in”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

I first got into photography when I was in high school, and it quickly became my favorite hobby.

Tell it apart

I've got into yoga recently.

  • become keen on it

I got into the gym at six.

  • physically entered it

Goes with

  • get into + hobby
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Next meaning: enter a place or state

Meaning 2

enter a place or state

  • get into sth
A scene showing “get into” meaning “go inside a car or place”.

To go inside a place, vehicle, or to reach a particular state or situation.

How oftenVery common
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

She got into the car and drove away.

A: Did you manage to get into the building?
B: Yes, the security guard let me in.

Common mistake

Not: I got into the bus.

Say: I got on the bus.

Use 'get on' for buses, trains and planes; 'get into' for cars.

More on “enter a place or state”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

It was difficult to get into my first choice university, but I worked hard and finally received an offer.

Tell it apart

He got into the taxi.

  • entered it

He got into trouble.

  • ended up in a bad situation

Goes with

  • get into + place/vehicle
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Next meaning: be admitted (institution)

Meaning 3

be admitted (institution)

  • get into institution/organization
A scene showing “get into” meaning “be accepted by a school”.

To be accepted as a member or student of a school, university, or other selective organization.

How oftenCommon
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

She worked hard all year to get into Oxford.

A: Did you hear? Sam got into that top art school!
B: Wow, that's incredible—he must be thrilled.

Common mistake

Not: She got in Oxford.

Say: She got into Oxford.

For being accepted, use 'get into', not just 'get in'.

More on “be admitted (institution)”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Many students feel under pressure to achieve high grades in order to get into prestigious universities.

Tell it apart

She got into her dream university.

  • was accepted

She got into the building through the back.

  • physically entered it

Goes with

  • get into + institution
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become interested inenter a place or statebe admitted (institution)