Phrasal verb
get into
Definitions
01enter a vehicle or space
phr.v. to move inside something, especially a car, a taxi, or a small space.
phr.v. to enter a vehicle or a confined space; specifically used for cars and small boats rather than public transport like buses.
“We need to get into the car now or we will be late for the movie.”
“The passengers struggled to get into the small taxi with all of their heavy luggage and winter coats.”
Usage
Always takes a noun phrase object; the object follows 'into'.
Pitfall
I got into the bus at the corner.
I got on the bus at the corner.
Use 'get into' for cars and taxis, but use 'get on' for public transport like buses, trains, and planes.
Antonyms
02start a hobby or interest
phr.v. to become interested in an activity or to start enjoying something new.
phr.v. to develop an interest in or become involved with a particular subject, hobby, or activity.
“My brother has really started to get into gardening lately.”
“She didn't expect to get into classical music, but after attending one live concert, she became obsessed with the genre.”
Informal
Usage
Followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form).
Synonyms
03be accepted to a school
phr.v. to be successful in applying to a university, college, or professional team.
phr.v. to gain admission to an educational institution or to be selected for a competitive group.
“She was so happy when she found out she got into her first-choice university.”
“Competition is fierce this year, and only a small percentage of applicants will actually get into the medical program.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04become involved in a bad situation
phr.v. to start being in a difficult or bad situation, like debt or an argument.
phr.v. to become involved in an unpleasant, complicated, or unfavorable state or situation.
“You should be careful not to get into debt by spending too much on credit cards.”
“The two neighbors got into a heated argument over the exact location of the fence between their properties.”
Synonyms
05discuss in detail
phr.v. to start talking about something in a very detailed way.
phr.v. to begin a detailed discussion or explanation of a particular topic.
“I don't want to get into the details of the contract right now.”
“We don't have enough time in this meeting to get into the technical aspects of the software migration.”
06influence behavior
phr.v. to make someone behave in a strange or unusual way.
phr.v. to affect or possess someone so that they behave in an uncharacteristic manner.
“I don't know what got into him; he is usually very polite.”
“Something must have got into the manager today, as he was shouting at everyone for the slightest mistake.”
Informal
Teaching tip
Usually used in the question 'What has got into you/him/her?' to express surprise at bad behavior.
Teaching tip
Distinguish this 'interest' sense from the literal sense of entering a vehicle or the sense of being accepted into a university; this version is very common for discussing lifestyle changes.
Phrasal verb
Particles
into
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
get + into + object