Understanding the Phrasal Verb: To Get By

In this episode of DailyEasyEnglishExpressions, Coach Shane breaks down the common phrasal verb "to get by." While the phrase is simple, its application spans various aspects of life, from financial stability to the challenges of learning a new language.

The Core Meaning: Survival

At its most fundamental level, "to get by" means survive. Coach Shane illustrates this through a dialogue where two people discuss the current economic climate. When asked, "How are you getting by?" the respondent replies, "Just barely." This usage highlights the struggle to maintain one’s lifestyle and cover basic needs. The phrase implies that while you are not necessarily failing, you are operating in a "tough situation" where things are "so expensive" and life requires constant effort to maintain equilibrium.

Financial Context and Economic Reality

Coach Shane connects the phrase to real-world economic pressure. He notes that in the United States, for instance, earning a low wage—such as "$10 an hour"—is "not enough to get by," especially for those supporting a family. The speaker emphasizes that "surviving is not easy" in the current post-COVID economy. This highlights that "getting by" is often used to describe the baseline of existence, where one is doing their best to manage financial burdens despite rising costs.

Applying 'Get By' to English Learning

Beyond financial survival, the coach cleverly applies the expression to the journey of mastering English. He asks his listeners, "You're studying English. How are you getting by?" In this context, the phrase shifts to reflect the learning process:

• Overcoming Obstacles: Are you able to "deal with that situation" of learning grammar or difficult pronunciation?
• Progress vs. Survival: Shane urges his audience to "do more than get by, more than survive." He encourages students to "thrive" and "do great" rather than simply scraping through their studies.
• Identifying Struggles: A student might answer, "I'm still having problems with pronunciation," which is a clear example of what it means to be "getting by"—you are "not quitting" and you are "doing your best" despite the difficulties.

Moving from Surviving to Thriving

Coach Shane concludes by positioning his English courses as a catalyst for growth. He argues that by building skills—such as improving pronunciation and understanding "nuance, phrasal verbs, and American culture"—students can move beyond the state of "just barely" surviving in their careers. By mastering English, students are better equipped to navigate the competitive job market and improve their overall quality of life.

In summary, "to get by" is a versatile expression for any situation that involves endurance. Whether you are managing the high cost of living or navigating the complexities of a new language, the phrase acknowledges the difficulty of the task while affirming that you are still in the game, working hard, and moving forward.