“LEARN IT, LIVE IT”
HOW TO USE “GET” IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS
Get is one of the most common words in English, but some people try to
avoid it in formal writing like lectures, speeches, etc. It can be used in
several patterns and have a number of meanings.
SORT OF FORMS AND CONJUGATIONS
Simple Present -- get, gets
Gerund -- getting
Simple Past -- got
Past Participle - got (UK), gotten (US)
To get + direct object (obtain; receive; buy)
I never thought to get a job but my mom forced me so I acquiesced to look
for one.
I really hope to get the newest iPhone for my birthday.
Where did you get that accent?
I get my sneakers at Nike.
Where did you get those shoes?
To get + object pronoun (usually means to bring for offers or
requests)
Get me a glass of water, please. (I)
Do you want me to get you a donut?
Could you get me the menu, please?
Can we get some takeaway boxes?
To get + place expression (reach, arrive at a place)
I got home yesterday evening due to the traffic.
What time will my mom get here?
I don’t think we’ll get to the play on time.
Note: we don’t use the preposition “To” with adverbs (home, here,
there, across, nowhere, back…).
To get + adjective (become, show a change of state)
She is the only one who gets arcane when someone asks about her profits.
Sometimes I forget things.
I think I’m getting old.
Don't get your dress dirty!
She got the kids ready for school
To get (understand or grasp)
I didn’t get what you just said.
To get (catch)
She always gets the bus every day.
Rony Ramos, EFL teacher.
I don’t get it
Got it!
I got a cold from one of my friends.
To get (possessions; obligation or necessity in the present)
They have got a cat / two sisters… (gotta) / + / - / ¿? /
You have got to get up early tomorrow.
I have not got to go now.
Note: the verb “have” can also be used. On the other hand, there’s
no way to use have got to in the past tense.
To get + past participle (passive voiced)
OMG! Someone got killed in San Roque.
I got born in 1998 wrong (stative verbs)
-----
I was born correct
To get (answer; pay; prepare a meal)
Get the door/ the telephone (it).
No worry I’ll get the check/bill.
Who’s getting dinner?
TO Get + To (have an opportunity to do sth)
I’d like to get to know you better
I’m so glad I get to teach you this awkward topic.
To get +to or ing (begin)
Let’s get started
We need to get going/moving soon.
To get+sb or sth+to or ing (persuade; make)
My boss got me to do a double shift so I can pay my debts.
It's not hard to get him talking, the problem is stopping him!
Can you really get that old car going again?
To get + to+ person ( have an emotional effect on someone)
That scene in the movie always gets to me.
It gets to me when I have to both cook dinner or mop the floor.
To get + prepositions (idiomatics and phrasal verbs)
Go get ‘em!
Let’s get you taken care of.
We’ll never get back together.
Get out of here!
I didn’t call the police because I don’t want you to get in troubles.
Rony Ramos, EFL teacher.