I get it

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Said to show that you now understand an explanation, a joke or a situation.

   Grammar: A complete sentence on its own; the it refers to whatever was just explained.

   Patterns

   • Oh, I get it.
   • I get it now.

   Oh, I get it, you mean the red button, not the green one.

   Ah, now I get it. The plan only works if we leave early.

   I get it, the joke is about the cat's name.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Said to show that you accept or sympathize with someone's feelings or position, even if you do not agree.

   Grammar: Often followed by but: I get it, but we still have to finish.

   Patterns

   • I get it, but...
   • I totally get it.

   I get it, you're tired, but we have one more mile to walk.

   You want more freedom. I get it, but the rules stay for now.

   I get it. Moving is stressful for everyone.

3. 3phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Said in an irritated way to tell someone to stop repeating a point you have already understood.

   Grammar: Often repeated for emphasis: I get it, I get it.

   Patterns

   • Okay, I get it.

   Okay, I get it, I should have called first.

   I get it! You don't like my music.

   Yes, yes, I get it. Stop reminding me.

Common combinations

oh, I get it

Oh, I get it, the shop closes at five.

now I get it

Now I get it. That's why everyone was laughing.

I totally get it

I totally get it, I'd be upset too.

I get it, but

I get it, but I can't change the schedule.

I don't get it

I don't get it, why did the car stop?

Synonyms and how they differ

I see

I see is calmer and more neutral, while I get it sounds more casual and can carry stronger feeling.

I understand

I understand is more formal and polite, whereas I get it is what friends say.

Got it

Got it is shorter and usually just confirms that you have the information, without necessarily showing sympathy.

Opposites

Word family

get verb

in this use, to understand

getting it phrase

in the process of understanding

Commonly confused: I get it or I got it?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “I get it”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words