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get through to — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
get through to
1make someone understand2make contact by phone

Meaning 1 · most common

make someone understand

  • get through to sb

to succeed in making someone understand what you are trying to say, especially when it is difficult.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

No matter how many times I explain, I just can't get through to him.

A: I've told my parents how I feel, but they don't seem to get it.
B: Sometimes it's hard to get through to people, especially family.

Common mistake

Not: It's hard to get through them this idea.

Say: It's hard to get through to them. / get this idea through to them.

Use 'get through TO' someone; the idea goes 'through to them'.

More on “make someone understand”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In group projects, it's important to get through to your teammates so everyone understands their role.

Tell it apart

I couldn't get through to the students.

  • make them understand

I couldn't get through to the office.

  • reach it by phone

Goes with

  • get through to + person
Practice saying this
Next meaning: make contact by phone

Meaning 2

make contact by phone

  • get through to sb

to succeed in reaching someone by telephone after trying to call them.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I tried calling her all morning, but I couldn't get through to her.

A: Did you manage to talk to the doctor?
B: Yes, I finally got through to her after waiting on hold for ages.

Common mistake

Not: I finally got through with the helpline.

Say: I finally got through to the helpline.

For reaching someone by phone, it's 'get through TO' — not 'with'.

More on “make contact by phone”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Sometimes it's difficult to get through to customer service because the lines are so busy.

Tell it apart

I finally got through to them.

  • reached them by phone

The call got cut off.

  • the line dropped

Goes with

  • get through to + number/person
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make someone understandmake contact by phone