Meaning trap
get out of
avoid doing something
to manage not to do something you should do, often by making excuses or finding a way around it.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to manage not to do something you should do, often by making excuses or finding a way around it.
Another meaning of 'get out of' is 'leave a place or situation'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- He always tries to get out of doing the dishes after dinner.daily life
- Some people try to get out of their responsibilities at work, but I believe it's important to do your part.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: get out of + noun/gerund
WrongShe got out of to do the washing up.
RightShe got out of doing the washing up.
'Get out of' takes '-ing' or a noun, not a to-infinitive.
Patternget out of + noun/gerund
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Get out of' is the natural verb for wriggling out of an obligation; the formal version is an HR email.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
get out of + dutydoing itthe meetingchoresgoing
Don't confuse it
Not about physically leaving a place; it's about avoiding an action or responsibility.
Related
- get out of (leave a place or situation) — Another meaning of 'get out of' is 'leave a place or situation'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.