Explanations » B2 Grammar Explanations » Get – different meanings
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  • Get – different meanings

    Chart explaining the different meanings of the verb 'get' with example sentences for a B2 pre-advanced grammar lesson.

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    Get + direct object= obtain, receive, bring, buy, bring, catch

    Obtain

    • He always gets everything he wants. 
    • He got his driving license last week. 

    Receive

    • I got a letter from John yesterday. 
    • She gets lots of presents from her fans.

    Buy

    • We need to get a new computer. The old one is broken. 
    • Can you go to the shop to get some milk?

    Bring

    • Can you get me a couple of glasses from the kitchen?
    • Can I get you a drink?

    Catch

    • Do you think we’ll have time to get the 7.40 train?
    • I need to get the first flight to Seattle. 

    Get to + place = arrive, reach

    • He always gets home very late. 
    • We got to London on the 8 o’clock train. 
    • How long does it take you to get to work?

    Get + adjective/past participle= become

    Get + adjective

    • I’m getting old.
    • He gets angry very easily. 
    • You should go. It’s getting dark

    Get + past participle

    • It’s very late and they are not here. I’m getting worried
    • He gets very tired after every concert. 
    • We got married last year. 

    Get= be (passive verb forms)

    • I got caught by the police after jumping a red light. (=was caught)
    • She almost got killed by a drunk driver. (=was killed)
    • His articles are always getting criticised by the press. (=being criticised)

    Get something done= have something done

    • We are getting the house painted next week. 
    • You should get your tyres changed

    Get someone to do something= make, ask, persuade someone to do something

    • How can parents get their children to read more?
    • I don’t know how to get my partner to do more things around the house.