Get — 5 rules to this word

Get — Have you never been able to decode the word? Well, here in this article we have a complete insider’s guide from a native, detailing the 5 main rules and the reasons as to why we use this strange word for nearly everything in the English language.

Ever wondered why natives always use the word get?

So, once you’ve learned these 5 basic rules you will have zero problems understanding natives in the future!

1) Get + noun/pronoun = ‘obtain’ or ‘receive’

  • My mother got a new car.
  • We got a coffee.
  • Have you got the keys?
  • I got it (the tab).
  • I got a bike for my birthday.
  • They got some new furniture.

2) Get + adjective = ‘become’

  • I’m getting too old for this.
  • Put your coat on, you’ll get cold.
  • Susana got tired of doing exercise.
  • The pain is getting worse.
  • I got angry yesterday.
  • Why are you getting tired?

3) Get + past participle = passive meaning

  • My car got worked on the other day.
  • I got told to leave.
  • They got invited to a party.
  • We got caught by the police.
  • They have got all work done.

4) Get + gerund (verb+ing) = ‘starting’

  • They got moving to a new location.
  • He got him talking over the problem.
  • I’m done with this meeting, let’s get moving.
  • He got the air-conditioner working.
  • She got explaining the issue.

5) Get + to + infinitive = ‘to have an opportunity’

  • I’m lucky I get to live abroad, very lucky indeed.
  • I got to travel to the UK last year.
  • They got to see their parents every day.
  • When I was younger I got to play the piano.
  • She never got to see me for my birthday.

See also