get around

Meaning

This phrasal verb means to move from place to place, travel, or navigate a city easily. It can also figuratively mean to find a way to avoid, bypass, or deal with a rule or obstacle. It is a very common expression in both daily travel and problem-solving contexts.

Examples

• The subway is the fastest way to get around the city.

  The subway is the fastest way to get around the city.

• Since he sold his car, it's been much harder for him to get around.

  Since he sold his car, it's been much harder for him to get around.

• She knows how to get around the company's strict budget rules.

  She knows how to get around the company's strict budget rules.

• We rented bicycles to get around the island during our vacation.

  We rented bicycles to get around the island during our vacation.

• It is quite easy to get around here without speaking the local language.

  It is quite easy to get around here without speaking the local language.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I get around the city by walk.

  ✓ I get around the city on foot.

  To describe the physical method of moving around, use the standard phrase 'on foot' or 'by walking' rather than 'by walk'.

• ✗ We need to find a way to get around of this problem.

  ✓ We need to find a way to get around this problem.

  Do not use the preposition 'of' after 'get around' when it means to bypass or avoid an obstacle.

Related Expressions

Practice

• In Amsterdam, most people use bicycles to ___.

  💡 move from place to place

  Show answer

  get around

• We managed to ___ the strict security rules by showing our badges.

  💡 bypass or avoid

  Show answer

  get around