Meaning trap
get through to
make someone understand
to succeed in making someone understand what you are trying to say, especially when it is difficult.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to succeed in making someone understand what you are trying to say, especially when it is difficult.
Another meaning of 'get through to' is 'make contact by phone'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- No matter how many times I explain, I just can't get through to him.communication
- In group projects, it's important to get through to your teammates so everyone understands their role.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: get through to + someone
WrongIt's hard to get through them this idea.
RightIt's hard to get through to them. / get this idea through to them.
Use 'get through TO' someone; the idea goes 'through to them'.
Patternget through to + someone
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Get through to someone' (make them understand) is natural; 'make him comprehend the seriousness' is stiff.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
get through to + personto themto studentsthe messagesomehow
Don't confuse it
Not about contacting by phone; this is about understanding.
Related
- get through to (make contact by phone) — Another meaning of 'get through to' is 'make contact by phone'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.