# get into

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/get-into
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. enter a vehicle or space

phrasal verb · CEFR A2

to move inside something, especially a car, a taxi, or a small space.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. start a hobby or interest

phrasal verb · CEFR B1 · Informal

to become interested in an activity or to start enjoying something new.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form).

### 3. be accepted to a school

phrasal verb · CEFR B1

to be successful in applying to a university, college, or professional team.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. become involved in a bad situation

phrasal verb · CEFR B2

to start being in a difficult or bad situation, like debt or an argument.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. discuss in detail

phrasal verb · CEFR B2

to start talking about something in a very detailed way.

For teachers: 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.

### 6. influence behavior

phrasal verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to make someone behave in a strange or unusual way.

For teachers: 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.

Teaching tip: Usually used in the question 'What has got into you/him/her?' to express surprise at bad behavior.

## Examples

- I really want to get into photography this year.
- She started to get into yoga after her doctor suggested she find a way to relax.
- While many students struggle with the introductory material, those who truly get into the subject often pursue advanced research opportunities.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.