Get it right! All the uses of ‘get’.
According to studies by the Oxford English Corpus, ‘Get’ is the 5th most common verb in English, and the 47th most common word overall.
Despite native speakers using this verb constantly, it can be one of the most difficult for learners to understand. Unlike most verbs, it can be used in many completely different ways. So, if you just don’t get it, this is a general guide for you.
To make this list easier to digest, I have broken up get’s uses into 6 main types, however, it could have been more. If you find a use of ‘get’ that doesn’t fit into any of these descriptions, let us know!
(1) get + object = to obtain / to receive / to buy
The Smiths needed to get a new washing machine. ≈ The smiths needed to obtain a new washing machine.
Billy got a bike for Christmas. ≈ Billy received a bike for Christmas.
Marta is getting a grant from her University. ≈ Marta is receiving a grant from her university.
Most people get their bread from the bakery ≈ Most people buy their bread from the bakery.
You need to get permission before selling alcohol ≈ You need to obtain permission before selling alcohol.
In most of the cases above, it would be more likely to use the ‘get’ sentence.
(2) get + adjective = to become / change of state
This car is getting old ≈ This car is becoming old
If you don’t eat any vegetables, you’ll get fat! ≈ If you don’t eat any vegetables, you’ll become fat!
It’s been getting hotter over the last two weeks. ≈ It’s been becoming hotter over the last two weeks.
At Christmas it gets dark at 4pm in London. ≈ At Christmas it becomes dark at 4pm in London.
In most of the cases above, it would be more likely to use the ‘get’ sentence.
(3) get + place = arrive at
Did you get to work on time? ≈ Did you arrive at work on time?
When he got to New York, Mr. Bates went to an Italian restaurant. ≈ When he arrived in New York, Mr. Bates went to an Italian restaurant.
John always puts the radio on when he gets home. ≈ John always puts the radio on when he arrives home.
In most of the cases above, it would be more likely to use the ‘get’ sentence.
(4) get + past participle = to form ‘passive voice’ sentences, (mostly replacing ‘to be’)
“If you keep arguing with the boss, you might get fired!” ≈ “If you keep arguing with the boss, you might be fired”
Jane didn’t get invited to Mary’s wedding. ≈ Jane wasn’t invited to Mary’s wedding.
(5) Other random uses:
To understand:
“I didn’t get the second half of the speech, did you?” ≈ “I didn’t understand the second half of the speech, did you?”
To serve, to buy for someone:
“Can I get you a drink?” ≈ “Can I buy you a drink?” or “Can I serve you a drink?” (depending on context)
To catch (a person):
“Don’t worry Mrs. Robinson, we will get the man who stole your cat.” ≈ “Don’t worry Mrs. Robinson, we will catch the man who stole your cat.”
(All of the above uses are predominantly spoken, not written)
(6) Phrasal Verbs with ‘get’:
‘Get’ is one of the most common verb parts of phrasal verbs.
To get up ≈ To arise (from bed)
“Every day I get up at 7AM”
To get on/off ≈ To enter/exit transport
“I get on the bus at Piccadilly Circus”
To get on with (someone) ≈ To have a good relationship with someone
“John and Margaret get on well”
To get on with (a task) ≈ To advance in performing a task
“How are you getting on with your homework?”
Get up to ≈ To do (secretly)
“Criminals get up to all kinds of activities without the government finding out”
Get away with ≈ To do (against the odds, or against the rules)
“The thief got away with stealing the diamond because he left no evidence.”
Get rid of ≈ To throw away
If food begins to rot, you should get rid of it.
Get through to ≈ To successfully pass on a message
It can be hard for older teachers to get through to young students.
Get out of and Get around ≈ To avoid doing something
“Can you get out of going to your Mother’s house this Saturday?”
“Can you get around going to your Mother’s house this Saturday?”
These examples have exactly the same meaning.
Get over ≈ To recover (most often emotionally)
It took Mariah six months to get over her break up with Paul.
Is there more to get?
If you can think of any example of ‘get’ that is not mentioned in this article, or if there is any example that you don’t understand, then let us know in the comments section below.
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