English Reference

Phrasal verb

get home

Definition

phrasal verb. To arrive at the house or apartment where you live, especially after being away for work or travel.

phrasal verb. To arrive at one's residence. This is a common verb-adverb collocation where 'home' functions as an adverb of direction without a preceding preposition.

Examples

“What time did you get home last night?”

“After a long flight, I was so relieved to finally get home and sleep in my own bed.”

“Despite the blizzard that shut down most of the city's transit, he was determined to get home to his family for the holidays.”

Examples

simple

“What time did you get home last night?”

contextual

“After a long flight, I was so relieved to finally get home and sleep in my own bed.”

complex

“Despite the blizzard that shut down most of the city's transit, he was determined to get home to his family for the holidays.”

Usage

Unlike other destinations, 'home' does not need a preposition like 'to' after the verb 'get'.

Teaching tip

Contrast 'get home' with 'get to work' or 'get to the store' to highlight that 'home' functions as a special adverb of place.

Pitfall

I need to get to home now.

I need to get home now.

The word 'home' acts as an adverb here, so it does not need the preposition 'to'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

home

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

get + home

Synonyms

arrive homereturn homereach home

Antonyms

Related words

Grammar

This entry

Level
A1 · Beginner
Updated

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