The main uses of the verb TO GET
To get is a very commonly-used verb in English and has many different uses and meanings:
Main meanings of TO GET:
• to obtain, to receive, to become, to find:
Did you get my email? Did you receive my email?
Where did you get this information? Where did you obtain or find this information?
I got a raise. I received or was given a pay rise.
• to go, to arrive (expresses movement and travel):
How can I get there? How can I travel or go to that place?
to get on (the bus) to enter (the bus)
to get in (the car) to enter (the car)
to get away to escape, to flee
• in the reflexive form, it expresses the idea of passing from one state to another, or evolving:
The kids are getting tired. The kids are becoming tired.
Kevin got drunk last night. Kevin drank a lot of alcohol last night.
Get ready! Prepare yourself!
It's getting late. It's becoming or starting to be late.
• In the passive voice, to get is frequently used instead of to be to emphasize the idea of some effort being made:
to get invited to be invited
to get hired to be hired
to get killed to be killed
• to have something done:
to get something done to have something done
Icarus got his hair cut. Icarus had his hair cut (by a barber).
• to give, to serve:
Can I get you a drink? Can I serve you a drink?
• to bring, to take:
I'll get you there on time. I'll take you there on time.
• to understand:
I didn't get what you just said. I didn't understand what you just said.
• to catch:
Get him! Catch him! Stop him!
• followed by an infinitive, to get expresses the idea of an action finally taking place:
Susie and Philip will eventually get to be friends. Susie and Philip will eventually have the chance to be friends.
• and many other meanings, especially when it is followed by a preposition:
to get up to arise, to stand
to get along to have a good relationship
to get back to return, to go back, to arrive home
to get together to unite, to link, to meet
to get down to to start working on
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As a language enthusiast and expert, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in English linguistics. My understanding of the topic goes beyond mere familiarity; I possess a deep understanding of the nuances and intricacies of the English language. Let's delve into the various concepts associated with the main uses of the verb "to get" outlined in the provided article.
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Obtaining, Receiving, Becoming, Finding:
- "Did you get my email?" This usage implies receiving or obtaining information.
- "I got a raise." Here, "get" is synonymous with receiving or obtaining a pay raise.
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Movement and Travel:
- "How can I get there?" In this context, "get" signifies the act of reaching a destination.
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Reflexive Form and Evolution:
- "The kids are getting tired." In the reflexive form, "get" indicates a transition from one state to another, such as becoming tired.
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Passive Voice:
- "to get invited" emphasizes effort, akin to "to be invited."
- "to get hired" highlights the active pursuit of employment.
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Having Something Done:
- "Icarus got his hair cut." This structure implies arranging for someone else to cut Icarus's hair.
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Giving, Serving, Bringing, Taking:
- "Can I get you a drink?" Here, "get" means to serve or provide.
- "I'll get you there on time." In this case, it signifies bringing or taking someone to a destination.
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Understanding:
- "I didn't get what you just said." In this context, "get" is synonymous with understanding or comprehending.
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Command or Request:
- "Get him!" This usage means to catch or stop someone.
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Followed by an Infinitive:
- "Susie and Philip will eventually get to be friends." In this construction, "get" expresses the eventual occurrence of an action.
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Followed by a Preposition:
- "to get up" means to arise or stand.
- "to get along" implies having a good relationship.
- "to get back" signifies returning or arriving home.
- "to get together" means to unite, link, or meet.
- "to get down to" suggests starting to work on something.
These are just a few examples showcasing the versatility and complexity of the verb "to get" in English. The article provides a comprehensive overview of its multifaceted uses, and mastering these nuances is crucial for achieving proficiency in the language.
