ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get back together

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford Informal

phr. v.. to start a romantic relationship again with a person you were with in the past.

phr. v.. to resume a romantic relationship after a period of separation or a formal breakup.


SIMPLE

I think they will get back together soon.

CONTEXTUAL

After being apart for six months, Sarah and Tom decided to get back together and try again.

COMPLEX

Despite their tumultuous history and the skepticism of their friends, the couple eventually chose to get back together following a long period of self-reflection.

Particles
back together
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
get + back + together (+ with + object)
Usage

often used without an object when referring to both people, or with 'with' to specify the partner.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'reconcile' (formal) and 'make up' (which can just mean ending an argument without necessarily having broken up); it is a very common theme in pop music and film.

Pitfall

They got back together themselves.They got back together.the phrase is already reciprocal, so you do not need a reflexive pronoun like 'themselves'.

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