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Meaning trap

get in

submit (formally)

to send or deliver something, especially a document or piece of work, so that it is received by a particular deadline or authority.

phrasal verbC1occasional

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

submit (formally)

to send or deliver something, especially a document or piece of work, so that it is received by a particular deadline or authority.

get in (enter or arrive)

'get in' also has the more basic meaning 'enter or arrive'; this is the advanced sense.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • Please make sure you get your expense reports in by the end of the week.academic
  • Candidates must get their essays in no later than Friday to be considered for the competition.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: get something in (to someone/by a deadline)

WrongDid you get in it on time?

RightDid you get it in on time?

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'get it in'.

Patternget something in (to someone/by a deadline)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Please ensure your application is submitted before the deadline.

Natural Make sure you get your application in on time.

'Get something in' is the natural verb for meeting a submission deadline; the formal version is a portal notice.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • get + submission + in
    your applicationthe formon timeby the deadline

Don't confuse it

Unlike the B1 sense ('enter or arrive'), here 'get in' does not mean physically entering a place, but ensuring that something (such as a document or application) is received by the intended person or organization. It is also distinct from the B2 sense ('be elected or accepted'), as it refers to the act of submission, not acceptance.

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