GET by Proper English with Ananda

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:41:19 UTC

There are so many different meanings. This might be confusing for you as an English learner. But it’s important to learn how to use this word.

In this lesson, you’re going to learn 10 of the most common ways this word is used. And then, I’m also going to share some idioms with you.

The key to all of this is to learn the sentences. That way, you will internalize this word and how to use it.

Gain possession of / buy

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:43:03 UTC

"I got some new things for my office. I got these *cough* fake plants, neon light, wall decorations…"

more examples:

What did you get for your birthday?
I’m thinking about getting a new car soon.

To become ill or have an illness

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:44:15 UTC

Yes, you can say catch a cold but it’s more common to say get a cold. Here are more examples:

I’ve got a cold
She keeps getting sick

To obtain and/or bring something to someone

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:45:58 UTC

This is something that is used a lot at home. For example:

Could you get me a tea?
Could you get me the remote?
Get some breakfast and then we’ll go

An alternative here is to bring up or down. For example, could you bring me up a cup of tea?

To hear or to understand

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:47:41 UTC

- He is a transgender man"

- I don't get it"

I don’t get what you mean. Could you explain that again?
I didn’t get that – could you speak up?

To become (change)

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:48:08 UTC

This is really useful. Look at this example:

It’s getting dark

It’s not dark now but it’s changing from light to dark. We use get to talk about a change.

Your tea’s getting cold.
Yawn. I’m getting tired.

Movement

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:49:15 UTC

Here are more examples:

Get down!
Get your hands out of your pockets.
Let’s get outside – it’s beautiful out there

Arrive

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:50:58 UTC

Now speaking of traveling, when you arrive at your destination, you can use get here too.

When mum gets here, turn off the TV, okay?
I hope my package gets here today.

To Receive or Be Given Something

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:51:31 UTC

I got my acceptance letter yesterday!

Collocations with Get

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:52:39 UTC

Collocations are simply two or more words that go together naturally. For example, you take a quick shower not a fast shower.

Now, some of the following can be explained through rules, but it’s important to learn them more naturally. To internalize them and to be able to use them instantly during natural conversation.

Get Married

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:53:26 UTC

This means to be joined in marriage. Notice the difference between to be married and to get married from the following examples:

They got married last year
They’re married

The first one talks about the act of getting married. The second focuses on the situation. Here are more examples:

When are you going to get married?
We’re getting married next year

Get Ready

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:54:03 UTC

There are two definitions here. Firstly, it can mean to put on clothes. For example, come on, get ready. We have to leave soon. Here are more examples:

It takes her forever to get ready
How long does it take you to get ready?
I’m getting ready – almost done!

It can also mean prepare. Imagine that you’re throwing a party for the World Cup Final. You might say, we need to get the house ready for our party. Here are more examples:

Can you get the presentation ready for tomorrow?
Get ready… this is going to be a tough exam.

Get home/in

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:54:31 UTC

Before, you learned that we use get when we arrive somewhere. To get home is a good example of this:

Come on, let’s get home
What time did you get in last night?
Is he getting home tonight?

Get some/any sleep/rest

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:55:11 UTC

Let’s get home and get some rest. This just means to sleep or to rest. We often use some/any in between get and sleep/rest. Here are more examples:

I just need to get some sleep
Do you think we’ll get any rest next week?
I didn’t get any sleep last night

Get into trouble

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:55:38 UTC

Look at this example: He’s always getting into trouble! This means that he’s always misbehaving and either their parents, the police, or their teachers are punishing them.

properEnglish_Ananda — 2023-10-03 23:58:01 UTC

Here are more examples:

He got into a lot of trouble as a kid but he’s good now
Try not to get into trouble tomorrow!
What can we do to stop you from getting into trouble?

This can also mean to fall into difficulty.

If you get into any trouble when traveling, call me straight away!
We got into some financial trouble last year but we managed to get out of it.

TAKE

properEnglish_Ananda — 2025-02-26 17:45:53 UTC

Let's begin with the basic definition of this verb. So, the basic definition of the verb "to take" is to remove something but often without permission to remove it. Some examples of this, "You took the last cookie?" "Your dog is about to take your lunch."

to receive or to accept something

properEnglish_Ananda — 2025-02-26 17:48:06 UTC

"Does this restaurant take credit cards?" "Does this restaurant accept credit cards?"

To cause something to go to another place

properEnglish_Ananda — 2025-02-26 17:51:35 UTC

"I should have taken an umbrella to the office."

"That bus will take you to the airport"

to grasp, to hold, or to grip something

properEnglish_Ananda — 2025-02-26 17:53:38 UTC

"Can you take my bag for a second?"