Get is a highly versatile verb in English, commonly used to express the ideas of receiving, obtaining, becoming, and more. When focusing on to receive and to obtain, "get" describes the process of something coming into your possession, whether it's tangible or intangible.
- "Get" = to receive/obtain something.
- Can be used for objects, information, favors, and more.
- Common in everyday spoken and written English.
Meanings & Uses
Get is used when someone:
- Receives something (a gift, message, package).
- Obtains or acquires something (a job, permission, a ticket).
It can describe both expected and unexpected receiving, and applies to a wide range of things: physical items, experiences, information, and even states of being.
- You get a gift = you receive it.
- You get a job = you obtain the position.
- You get a message = you receive information.
'Get' can mean to receive, to obtain, and also to become.
Typical Subjects & Objects
- Subjects: Usually people or groups who receive/obtain something.
- Objects: Can be things (money, gifts), experiences (a chance, a shock), or intangibles (permission, information).
Common object examples:
- A letter, a call, an email, a package
- A job, a promotion, a ticket, permission
- A cold, tired, angry (states you “get”)
- Subjects are usually the receivers: "She," "They," "We," "I."
- Objects can be tangible or intangible.
Typical subjects are people or groups who receive or obtain something.
Forms & Structure
| Tense | Example (receive/obtain) |
|---|---|
| Present Simple | I/You/We/They get a message. He/She gets a gift. |
| Past Simple | They got tickets to the concert. |
| Present Perfect | She has gotten/ got (US/UK) her diploma. |
| Future | We will get the results tomorrow. |
| Conditional | If you study, you’ll get a reward. |
- Subject + get(s)/got/has gotten + object (for receiving/obtaining).
- "Get" changes with subject and tense; object stays after the verb.
The past tense is 'got'; 'gotten' is used as a past participle in some dialects.
Common Example Sentences
| Situation | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Receiving (present) | I get emails every morning. |
| Receiving (past) | She got a surprise on her birthday. |
| Obtaining (present) | They get good deals at that store. |
| Obtaining (past) | We got tickets for the show. |
| Information | Did you get my message? |
| Invitation | You’ll get an invitation to the event. |
| State (becoming) | He gets tired after work. |
'Get' can be used with things like presents, jobs, messages, and permission.
"Get" is a flexible verb essential for expressing receiving and obtaining in everyday English. It spans a wide range of uses, making it indispensable for learners.
- Used for receiving/obtaining things, info, and experiences.
- Works with many subjects and both tangible/intangible objects.
- Mastery of "get" opens up practical, real-life communication.