Conjugation

Get by

se débrouiller

Irregular verb, phrasal verb.

  • Phrasal verb: by

    Only get changes; by stays the same: got by, gotten by.

  • British English

    British English writes got by.

In speech, the helping verbs shorten: I’m, he’s, we’re, I’ve, I’ll, I’d.

Newbie

Enough to talk about now, the past, and your plans, and to give instructions.

  1. Present simple

    Habits, facts, and how things usually are. To say no or ask, add do or does: I don't get by, he doesn't get by.

    1. I / you / we / they get by
    2. he / she / it gets by

  2. Present continuous

    What is happening now, and plans already arranged: we’re leaving tomorrow.

    1. I am getting by
    2. you / we / they are getting by
    3. he / she / it is getting by

  3. Past simple

    A finished action at a past time: yesterday, in 2020. To say no or ask, add did: I didn't get by.

    1. I / you / he / she / it / we / they got by

  4. Future with going to

    Plans and intentions, and what you can see coming: it’s going to rain.

    1. I am going to get by
    2. you / we / they are going to get by
    3. he / she / it is going to get by

  5. Imperative

    Orders, advice, and instructions. Let’s suggests doing it together. To say no: don't get by.

    1. (you) get by
    2. let's get by