Phrasal verbs : Get through v. Go through

Do you ever get confused between the phrasal verbs ‘get through’ and ‘go through’? 

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one.

We’re to go through a little example with you so that you better understand how and when to use ‘get through’ or ‘go through’. 

Here’s the example:

Person A: I have so much to go through today. How am I going to get all of this work done?

Person B: Don’t worry. I’m sure you will get through it.

Here, person A uses ‘go through’ when talking about all the individual papers and tough things that they need to do.

Person B used ‘get through’ to show the positive side of things, getting through the task and shining on the other side when it’s complete.

You could also use this for other examples or situations:

• going through a divorce and getting through a divorce.
• to go through treatment for an illness and to get through treatment for an illness.

Going through the treatment means that it’s in process and the person is currently receiving treatment. To get through it means that they have come out the other side, their treatment is finished and they’re feeling great!

The next time you have any questions on the English language, why not reach out to the British Council? We’ll help you get through them!

Want to learn more about phrasal verbs and get a little practice in? Try out these exercises. 

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