get out of — avoid doing something
phrasal verbB1IELTS 5+informalcommon
to manage not to do something you should do, often by making excuses or finding a way around it.
Say it like a native
Textbook I am trying to find a way to be excused from attending the meeting.
Native I'm trying to get out of the meeting.
'Get out of' is the natural verb for wriggling out of an obligation; the formal version is an HR email.
Pattern: get out of + noun/gerund
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ She got out of to do the washing up.
✓ She got out of doing the washing up.
'Get out of' takes '-ing' or a noun, not a to-infinitive.
Common collocations
get out of + duty— doing it, the meeting, chores, going
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.