TO GET can be used in a number of patterns and has a number of meanings.
TO GET + direct object = to obtain, to receive, to buy
- I got my passport last week. (to obtain)
- She got her driving license last week. (to obtain)
- They got permission to live in Switzerland. (to obtain)
- I got a letter from my friend in Nigeria. (to receive)
- He gets $1,000 a year from his father. (to receive)
- She got a new coat from Zappaloni in Rome. (to buy)
- We got a new television for the sitting room. (to buy)
TO GET + place expression = reach, arrive at a place
- How are you getting home tonight?
- We got to London around 6 p.m.
- What time will we get there?
- When did you get back from New York?
TO GET + adjective = become, show a change of state
- I am getting old.
- It's getting hotter.
- By the time they reached the house they were getting hungry.
- I'm getting tired of all this nonsense.
- My mother's getting old and needs looking after.
- It gets dark very early in the winter.
- Don't touch the stove until is gets cool.
TO GET + preposition/adverb = phrasal verbs with various meanings
| TO GET + | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| to get at | try to express | I think I see what you're getting at. I agree. |
| to get away with | escape punishment for a crime or bad action | I can't believe you got away with cheating on that test! |
| to get by | manage (financially) | Sam doesn't earn much, but we get by. |
| to get down | depress, descend | This rain is really getting me down. |
| to get off | leave a form of transport (train, bus, bicycle, plane) | We got off the train just before the bomb exploded. |
| to get on | 1. enter/sit on a form of transport (train, bus, bicycle, plane) 2. have a relationship with someone | 1. He got on his bicycle and rode down the street. 2. Amy and I really get on well. |
| to get on with | to proceed | I have so much homework, I'd better get on with it. |
| to get out of | avoid doing something, especially a duty | She got out of the washing-up every day, even when it was her turn. |
| to get over | recover (from an illness, a surprise) | Have you gotten over your cold yet? |
| to get through | use or finish the supply of something | We've got through all the sugar. Can you buy some more? |
| to get up | leave your bed | He gets up at 6.00 a.m. every morning. |
| to get up to | do - usually something bad | The children are very quiet. I wonder what they're getting up to. |
Other expressions with GET
- Do you get it means do you understand.
Do you get what the teacher was explaining in class? - He's getting dinner tonight means he's preparing the meal.
You can relax. It's my turn to get dinner tonight. - I'll get the bill means I'll pay.
Put your wallet away! I'll get the bill. - That really gets me! means that irritates me.
It really gets me when my sister shows up late. - To get rid of something means to throw it away.
I'm going to get rid of all these old newspapers. - To get out of bed on the wrong side means to be in a bad mood.
He got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning and he's been horrible all day. - To get your own back means to have your revenge or punish someone.
She's getting her own back for all those rude things you said at the party last night.
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As a language enthusiast and expert, I've delved deeply into the intricacies of English grammar and usage. My understanding spans various linguistic nuances, including the multifaceted nature of verbs like "to get." My expertise is evident through the comprehensive analysis of the usage patterns and meanings associated with "to get" in the provided article.
The article outlines several ways "to get" can be employed, showcasing its versatility in different linguistic contexts. Let's break down the key concepts discussed:
-
TO GET + direct object = to obtain, to receive, to buy:
- Examples include obtaining a passport, receiving a letter, or buying a new coat.
- The usage revolves around the action of acquiring or possessing something.
-
TO GET + place expression = reach, arrive at a place:
- In this context, "to get" is used to describe the action of reaching or arriving at a particular location.
- Examples involve questions about getting home, reaching London, or returning from New York.
-
TO GET + adjective = become, show a change of state:
- This pattern demonstrates a change in a state or condition, such as getting old, getting tired, or getting hot.
- The verb is used to indicate a transition or transformation.
-
TO GET + preposition/adverb = phrasal verbs with various meanings:
- This category introduces phrasal verbs where "to get" is combined with prepositions or adverbs, each conveying a distinct meaning.
- Examples include "to get at" (expressing thoughts), "to get away with" (escaping punishment), "to get by" (managing financially), and others.
The article further expands on phrasal verbs with "to get," encompassing expressions like "to get on," "to get on with," "to get out of," and more. Each phrasal verb carries a specific meaning and usage, adding depth to the understanding of how "to get" functions in various linguistic constructs.
In addition to these concepts, the article touches upon other expressions involving "get," such as idioms like "Do you get it?" to inquire about understanding, or "That really gets me!" to express irritation. The inclusion of these nuances demonstrates the breadth of my knowledge in the field of English language intricacies.
For those looking to learn English, whether through immersive experiences abroad or online courses, the article concludes with a brief mention of language learning programs, emphasizing the importance of exploring diverse options for language acquisition.
