“Get” is a very common word in English. It can mean many things based on how it’s used. This article will help you understand how to use “get” in simple English. We’ll look at its different meanings, how it’s used in sentences, and some common phrases with “get.”
What “Get” Means
The word “get” is a versatile verb in the English language with a wide range of meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. Here are some of the most common interpretations:
To Receive: When you receive something, you can say you “get” it.
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- Example: “I got a letter from my friend.”
To Obtain: To obtain means to get something, especially if you have to work for it or find it.
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- Example: “She got her driver’s license last week.”
To Become: “Get” can also mean to become or to start to be in a certain state.
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- Example: “It’s getting cold outside.”
To Understand: If you understand something, you can say you “get” it.
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- Example: “I didn’t get the joke.”
To Arrive: When you reach a place, you can say you “get” there.
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- Example: “What time did you get home?”
Uses of “Get”
The verb “get” is highly versatile in English, serving multiple functions and forming numerous phrases that convey a variety of meanings.
With Adjectives: “Get” is often used with adjectives to show change.
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- Example: “He’s getting tired.”
In Passive Voice: “Get” can be used instead of “be” in passive voice sentences.
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- Example: “She got accepted into university.”
In Phrasal Verbs: “Get” is part of many phrasal verbs. A phrasal verb is a phrase with a verb and a preposition or adverb that changes the meaning of the verb.
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- Example: “I need to get up early tomorrow.”
In Questions: “Get” is commonly used in questions to ask about experiences or actions.
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- Example: “Did you get my message?”
Common Phrases with “Get”
The verb “get” forms a core part of many common English phrases and idiomatic expressions. Here are some widely used phrases that include “get”:
Get through: To successfully make it through a difficult situation or task.
- “It was tough, but we got through it together.”
Get ahead: To make progress, particularly in one’s career or life goals.
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- “She’s always trying to get ahead in her work.”
Get up to: To do something, often implying mischievous or suspicious activities.
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- “What have you been getting up to lately?”
Get by: To manage or survive, usually with limited resources.
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- “It’s not easy, but I’m getting by.”
Get over: To recover from something, typically an illness or an emotional setback.
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- “It’s hard to get over a breakup.”
Get back to: To return to someone or something, often implying a response or a return to a task or location.
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- “I’ll get back to you with an answer by tomorrow.”
Get rid of: To eliminate or dispose of something.
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- “We need to get rid of all this old furniture.”
Get into: To become involved or engaged in an activity, or to start enjoying something.
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- “She’s really getting into yoga lately.”
Get on with: To continue doing something, especially after an interruption.
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- “Let’s get on with the meeting.”
Get together: To meet or gather with others.
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- “Let’s get together for coffee this weekend.”
Get off: To leave a mode of transportation, or to start, in the context of launching something.
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- “You need to get off at the next stop.”
- “We got off to a good start.”
Get to know: To become acquainted with someone or something.
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- “I’m looking forward to getting to know your family.”
Get out of: To avoid a responsibility or escape a situation.
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- “He always tries to get out of doing his chores.”
Get down to: To start seriously focusing on something.
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- “Let’s get down to business.”
Get going: To start moving or begin a journey.
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- “We should get going if we want to reach on time.”
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