# get across

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/get-across
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to make someone understand an idea or a message clearly.

For teachers: to communicate a concept or information effectively so that it is comprehended by the recipient; often implies a barrier or difficulty in the communication process.

## Examples

- I hope I can get my point across.
- The teacher used simple diagrams to get the complex scientific theory across to the students.
- The politician struggled to get her message across to the voters despite an extensive and expensive advertising campaign.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He got across his point." but "He got his point across." — while both are grammatically possible, this phrasal verb is almost always separated when the object is a short noun phrase or pronoun.

## Usage notes

- often used with 'point', 'message', or 'idea' as the object.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'explain'; 'get across' emphasizes the successful reception of the message by the listener rather than just the act of speaking.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.