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Meaning trap

get around

avoid a problem

to find a way to deal with or avoid a problem or rule, often by being clever.

phrasal verbB2common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

avoid a problem

to find a way to deal with or avoid a problem or rule, often by being clever.

get around (travel locally)

Another meaning of 'get around' is 'travel locally'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • We managed to get around the new rule by submitting our forms online.work
  • Sometimes, students try to get around strict deadlines by asking for extensions.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: get around (something)

WrongThere's no way to get around with this rule.

RightThere's no way to get around this rule.

'Get around' takes the problem directly — no 'with'.

Patternget around (something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff We devised a means of circumventing the restriction.

Natural We found a way to get around the rule.

'Get around' is the everyday verb for cleverly avoiding a rule/problem; 'circumventing the restriction' is formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • get around + obstacle
    the problemthe rulesthe issueit

Don't confuse it

'Get around' is about avoiding or solving, while 'face up to' means to confront a problem directly.

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