English Reference

Phrasal verb

get by

Definition

phrasal verb. to have just enough money or knowledge to manage a situation. You use this when you are doing okay but do not have anything extra.

phrasal verb. to manage or survive with the limited resources, money, or skills available. The verb is intransitive and denotes a state of bare sufficiency.

Examples

“I don't earn a lot, but I get by.”

“Even though his Spanish was limited, he managed to get by during his short trip to Madrid.”

“The small non-profit has struggled to get by on dwindling government grants, yet it continues to provide essential services to the local community despite these financial constraints.”

Examples

simple

“I don't earn a lot, but I get by.”

contextual

“Even though his Spanish was limited, he managed to get by during his short trip to Madrid.”

complex

“The small non-profit has struggled to get by on dwindling government grants, yet it continues to provide essential services to the local community despite these financial constraints.”

Usage

usually functions as an intransitive verb, though it often takes the preposition 'on' to specify a resource.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'make do' (using a substitute) and 'thrive' (the opposite); 'get by' is about reaching a minimum threshold of survival or competence.

Pitfall

I can't get by my salary.

I can't get by on my salary.

the verb requires the preposition 'on' when referring to the money or resources used to survive.

Phrasal verb

Particles

by

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

get + by

Synonyms

managesurvivecopemake do

Antonyms

thriveflourishfail

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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