What Does "get around to" Mean?
- Meaning: The phrasal verb "get around to" means to finally find the time or opportunity to do something that has been intended or delayed for a while. It often implies that the speaker has been busy, procrastinating, or prioritizing other tasks.
- Compositionality: This is a semi-idiomatic expression. While "get" and "around" suggest movement or reaching a point, the full phrase functions as a single unit of meaning that cannot be easily deduced by looking at the words individually.
- Register: The register is neutral to informal. It is perfectly acceptable in spoken English and casual correspondence, as well as in journalism and business contexts when discussing personal productivity or delays.
How to Use It
- Grammatical pattern: This is a three-part phrasal verb (verb + particle + preposition). It is followed by either a noun phrase or, most commonly, a gerund (the -ing form of a verb).
- Typical objects: Common objects include "it," "them," or specific tasks like "writing," "calling," or "cleaning."
- Separability: Unlike some phrasal verbs, "get around to" is inseparable. You cannot place an object between any of the three words (e.g., you cannot say "get it around to").
- What sounds unnatural: Using the base form of a verb (the infinitive) after "to" sounds incorrect to native speakers. Additionally, replacing "get" with "take" or "come" in this specific context changes the meaning entirely.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from get around to on Ludwig.guru.
"Money I'd never get around to spending." — The New Yorker
"They always get around to blaming you." — The Guardian - Books
"I'm sure I'll get around to whipping it up." — The New York Times - Food
"He didn't get around to "Howl" until he was sixteen." — The New Yorker
"Did you ever get around to doing any research?" — Yale University
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| find the time |
A neutral alternative focusing on availability rather than procrastination. |
| manage to |
Emphasizes the effort required to complete the task; followed by an infinitive. |
| get to |
More informal; often used when the task is something the speaker actually wants to do. |
| address |
Much more formal; used in professional settings to discuss dealing with an issue. |
| make headway |
Focuses on making progress on a task that has already started. |
Common Mistakes
- The Infinitive Trap: Learners often follow the 'to' with an infinitive verb instead of a gerund (e.g., saying 'get around to do' instead of 'get around to doing'). In this phrase, "to" is a preposition, not part of an infinitive.
- Separation Error: Attempting to separate the parts (e.g., "I will get the chores around to") is ungrammatical. The phrase get around to must stay together as a fixed block.
- Wrong Preposition: Using "get around for" or "get about to" is incorrect. The preposition to is essential to convey the meaning of reaching a specific task.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Meaning |
Grammatical Pattern |
Register |
| get around to |
To finally do something after a delay |
get around to + [noun/gerund] |
Neutral / Informal |
FAQs
Can I separate the words in the phrase get around to if I have a short object?
No, the expression get around to is an inseparable phrasal verb, meaning the three words must always stay together. You cannot place a noun or pronoun between get, around, or to.
What is the difference between get around to and manage to?
While both imply completing a task, get around to suggests that the task was delayed or postponed due to a lack of time. In contrast, manage to emphasizes that the task was difficult to achieve or required significant effort to overcome obstacles.
Should I use an infinitive or a gerund after get around to?
You must always use a gerund (the -ing form) or a noun after this expression. A common mistake is following the word to with an infinitive verb, but in this specific phrasal verb, to functions as a preposition rather than an infinitive marker.