get through to — make someone understand
phrasal verbB2IELTS 6+neutralcommon
to succeed in making someone understand what you are trying to say, especially when it is difficult.
Say it like a native
Textbook I was unable to make him comprehend the seriousness of the matter.
Native I couldn't get through to him how serious it was.
'Get through to someone' (make them understand) is natural; 'make him comprehend the seriousness' is stiff.
Pattern: get through to + someone
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ It's hard to get through them this idea.
✓ It's hard to get through to them. / get this idea through to them.
Use 'get through TO' someone; the idea goes 'through to them'.
Common collocations
get through to + person— to them, to students, the message, somehow
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.