Get past vs. get through vs. etc.

Question

A.  Can I get past?B.  Can I get through?C.  Can I get past through?D.  Can I squeeze past?E.  Can I pass?F.  Can I pass through?1.  Which of the above are natural expressions to say when you need to get through some people in a crowded place?  I understand "excuse me" is the common and polite expression, but I'd like to know which are natural between the particular examples above.2.  If two or more are possible, how are they different?Please advise.  Thank you.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

A. Can I get past? A bit forceful. Sounds to me like you may have a right or even a need to get past. eg you are a bus driver who needs to go to the back to assist a sick passenger.

B. Can I get through? Similar to A.

C. Can I get past through? Incorrect grammar

D. Can I squeeze past? Seems like the best to me. Polite, a bit apologetic, recognizes that you are asking people to help you.

E. Can I pass? Doesn't sound natural to me

F. Can I pass through? Doesn't sound natural to me

1. Which of the above are natural expressions to say when you need to get through some people in a crowded place? I understand "excuse me" is the common and polite expression, but I'd like to know which are natural between the particular examples above.

I think that a lot depends on the culture in which this takes place. eg How much do people value politeness? eg how forceful and assertive are people?

2. If two or more are possible, how are they different? See above.

Clive

Anonymous · Answer

First of all, thank you for your helpful response.

My follow up question is if I add "please" at the end of sentences A and B, will that make it now polite?

Since C is incorrect grammar in my particular sentence, do you think the following is also incorrect?

eg. I need to get past through.

Once I heard this on a train said by someone in the UK although I'm not sure if he is a native speaker. This is also a bit forceful, I think, isn't it?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

First of all, thank you for your helpful response.

My follow up question is if I add "please" at the end of sentences A and B, will that make it now polite? To me, it still seems a bit too forceful. Others might disagree.

Actually, you need to add 'please' to all these requests, at least where I live.

Since C is incorrect grammar in my particular sentence, do you think the following is also incorrect?

eg. I need to get past through.

''get past through' is an incorrect phrase. The two prepositions do not fit together.

Perhaps you heard something like ' Can I pass through?' This is corrrect, because 'pass' is used here as a verb.

Once I heard this on a train said by someone in the UK although I'm not sure if he is a native speaker. This is also a bit forceful, I think, isn't it?

'I need to get past' is much too forceful, in my opinion, unless I feel that you have a valid need.

Clive

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you for answering all my questions. I really appreciate it. I now understand.

Probably my last question, is there a difference between "get past" and "get through" in meaning?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Yes.

Here are simple examples to consider.

If I want to go to the back of the bus and one large person is blocking my way, I'd say 'Can I get past, please?'

But if there are ten people in my way, I'd be more likely to say 'Can I get through, please?'

Actually, I wouldn't say either, but I'm just trying to explain the idea.

Clive

Anonymous · Answer

I can see the difference from your clear examples, but I guess I would just stick to "squeeze past" in either case to sound polite.

Thank you very much.

Get past vs. get through vs. etc.

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