Get — 5 rules to this word

Ever wondered why natives always use the word get?

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.

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