10 Phrasal Verbs with "GET" you must know for the B2 First Exam
8 min read
Phrasal verbs are the secret language of English. Native speakers use them constantly — in conversations, emails, news articles, and movies. For Cambridge B2 First (FCE) candidates, mastering phrasal verbs isn't optional. They appear in Reading, Use of English, Writing, and Speaking parts of the exam.
Among all phrasal verbs, those built on GET are the most frequent and the most useful. GET combines with prepositions and adverbs to form dozens of common expressions, and the B2 First exam tests them constantly. The 10 phrasal verbs in this article cover the most exam-relevant uses.
For each one, you'll find a clear definition, two real examples, and notes on how it appears in B2 First tasks. Learn these, use them in your own sentences, and you'll have a strong foundation for both the exam and natural English conversation.
1. Get up — to leave your bed in the morning
The most basic phrasal verb with GET, but also one of the most frequent. "Get up" describes the moment you stop sleeping and stand up — usually after waking up. Don't confuse it with "wake up," which just means stopping sleep without necessarily standing up.
I usually get up at 6:30 AM during the week.
I usually get up of bed at 6:30 AM during the week.
It was hard to get up after only four hours of sleep.
It was hard to get me up after only four hours of sleep.
B2 exam tip: appears in everyday descriptions and personal routines. You'll likely use this in Speaking Part 1 or in informal Writing tasks like emails to a friend.
2. Get on with — to have a good relationship with someone
"Get on with" describes how well you interact with another person. If you get on well with someone, you have a good, easy relationship. The opposite is "not get on with" or "have trouble getting on with."
I get on really well with my new colleagues.
I get well with my new colleagues.
She doesn't get on with her younger brother — they argue all the time.
She doesn't get along to her younger brother.
B2 exam tip: extremely common in Speaking Part 2 (describing photos with people) and Writing Part 1 (essays about relationships, friendships, school life).
3. Get over — to recover from something difficult
"Get over" means to recover — from an illness, a sad event, a breakup, or a difficult experience. The implication is that the recovery takes time and effort, but eventually you return to normal.
It took her months to get over the flu.
It took her months to get over of the flu.
He still hasn't gotten over the loss of his dog.
He still hasn't gotten over from the loss of his dog.
B2 exam tip: useful in Reading texts about health, emotions, and life events. Often tested in Use of English Part 1 (multiple-choice cloze) where you need to choose between "get over," "get through," and "get past."
4. Get away with — to escape punishment or consequences
"Get away with" describes doing something wrong without facing the consequences. It often implies that the person should have been caught or punished but wasn't. Frequently used in negative or surprised tones.
I can't believe he got away with cheating on the exam.
I can't believe he got away from cheating on the exam.
You won't get away with this — the boss will find out.
You won't get away of this.
B2 exam tip: common in Reading texts about crime, ethics, or workplace situations. Tested in Use of English when distinguishing from "get over" and "get through."
5. Get along (with) — to have a good relationship
"Get along" is essentially the American equivalent of "get on with." Both mean having a good relationship with someone. In British English, "get on" is more common; in American English, "get along" dominates. Both are accepted in B2 First.
We get along very well — we have similar interests.
We get along together very well.
How do you get along with your roommates?
How do you get along to your roommates?
B2 exam tip: synonym tests often pair "get along (with)" and "get on (with)" — both are correct, but understanding both forms helps you read texts from any English variety.
6. Get into — to become interested in / to enter
"Get into" has two main meanings. First, the literal one: to enter (a car, a building, a small space). Second, the figurative one: to become interested in something or start a hobby. Both are tested in B2.
I've recently gotten into yoga — I love it.
I've recently gotten into to yoga.
She got into the car and drove away.
She got in the car and drove away. (acceptable casual American English)
B2 exam tip: when testing the "become interested in" meaning, common alternatives include "get keen on" and "develop a passion for" — but "get into" is more natural in everyday speech.
7. Get out of — to avoid doing something / to escape
"Get out of" can mean to avoid an unwanted obligation (a chore, a meeting, a homework assignment) or to literally exit a place or vehicle. The "avoid" meaning is more common in B2-level texts and conversations.
I tried to get out of going to the meeting, but my boss insisted.
I tried to get out from going to the meeting.
How can I get out of this contract early?
How can I get me out of this contract early?
B2 exam tip: tested as a contrast with "get into." Knowing both helps you answer Use of English transformation questions where you must rephrase a sentence in two different ways.
8. Get through — to finish / to survive a difficult period
"Get through" has two related meanings. First, to finish reading or completing something (a book, a task list). Second, to survive a difficult period of time (a tough week, an illness, a stressful exam). Both are tested at B2 level.
I finally got through that 600-page novel last night.
I finally got through with that 600-page novel.
She got through a really difficult year and came out stronger.
She got through from a really difficult year.
B2 exam tip: often confused with "get over" — "get through" emphasizes endurance during a hard time, "get over" emphasizes recovery after the hard time has ended.
9. Get back to — to return to / to respond later
"Get back to" has two meanings. The literal one: to return to a place or activity. The communicative one: to reply to a message or call later, especially in professional contexts. Both appear in B2 Reading and Writing.
I'll get back to you tomorrow with an answer.
I'll get back you tomorrow with an answer.
She finally got back to writing her novel after a six-month break.
She finally got back at writing her novel.
B2 exam tip: extremely useful in Writing Part 1 (formal/semi-formal emails). Phrases like "I'll get back to you as soon as possible" or "Thank you for getting back to me" sound natural and professional.
10. Get rid of — to remove or throw away
"Get rid of" means to remove something unwanted — physical objects, problems, bad habits, or even people. It's slightly informal but extremely common in everyday English and in B2-level texts about lifestyle, organization, and change.
I need to get rid of these old clothes — I never wear them.
I need to get rid these old clothes.
She finally got rid of her bad smoking habit.
She finally got rid from her bad smoking habit.
B2 exam tip: common in Use of English transformations where you must rephrase "throw away," "remove," or "discard" using a phrasal verb. "Get rid of" is the most common answer.
How to memorize phrasal verbs effectively
Don't try to memorize phrasal verbs in lists. They don't stick that way. Instead, learn each one in a complete sentence, then create your own sentence using it. The act of writing your own example forces your brain to encode the meaning actively.
Practice with the phrasal verbs section in our Memory Match game — you'll see these words paired with their meanings, and the matching mechanic forces you to think about each one actively. Combined with reading and listening to English content, this is the fastest way to internalize phrasal verbs for the B2 exam.
Match phrasal verbs with their meanings — many of the verbs from this article appear at B1 and B2 levels.
▷ Practice phrasal verbs in Memory MatchFrequently Asked Questions
Why do phrasal verbs matter so much in B2 First?
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Should I memorize phrasal verbs in groups (all GET, all PUT, etc.)?
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Are phrasal verbs the same in American and British English?
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How many phrasal verbs do I need for B2 First?
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Final thoughts
Phrasal verbs make the difference between sounding like a textbook and sounding like a real English speaker. The 10 phrasal verbs with GET in this article are some of the most useful you can learn — for the B2 First exam and for everyday conversation.
Don't try to learn all 10 in one day. Pick three this week. Use each one in your own sentences (out loud or in writing). Notice them when they appear in English songs, movies, and articles. By the end of the month, all 10 will feel natural to you — and your B2 exam preparation will be one big step ahead.