1. Getting Something (Obtaining or Receiving)

“Get” can mean to obtain or receive something. Use it to talk about things you acquire or bring into your possession.

• Examples:
  • “I need to get some groceries.”
  • “Did you get my message?”

1. Getting Somewhere (Arriving at a Place)

When talking about arriving at a location, “get” means reaching your destination.

• Examples:
  • “I usually get to work by 9 a.m.”
  • “When did you get here?”

1. Getting in Contact (Communicating)

Use “get” when discussing making contact with someone, whether it’s through a call, text, or face-to-face.

• Examples:
  • “I’ll get in touch with her tomorrow.”
  • “Can you get back to me by Friday?”

1. Getting Along (Relationship Status)

“Get along” describes how well two people or groups relate to each other. It’s usually about friendship and harmony.

• Examples:
  • “They get along very well.”
  • “I don’t really get along with my new colleague.”

1. Getting an Understanding (Comprehending or Learning)

When “get” refers to understanding something, it shows the moment of comprehension or realization.

• Examples:
  • “I finally get the joke!”
  • “Did you get what she meant?”

1. Getting Ready (Preparing)

In phrases like “get ready” or “get dressed,” get means preparing for something or getting into a different state.

• Examples:
  • “I need to get ready for the meeting.”
  • “Let’s get dressed for the party.”

1. Getting Something Done (Accomplishing)

Use “get something done” to express completing a task or action.

• Examples:
  • “I need to get my homework done.”
  • “Can you get the report finished by tomorrow?”

1. Getting Sick/Tired/Hungry (Becoming a State)

With emotions or physical states, “get” means “becoming” or “changing into” that state.

• Examples:
  • “I’m getting tired. Let’s head home.”
  • “They got really hungry after the long hike.”

1. Getting By (Surviving or Managing)

When you use “get by,” it suggests managing to survive or cope, even with challenges.

• Examples:
  • “It’s hard, but we’re getting by on a small budget.”
  • “I don’t know much Spanish, but I get by when I travel.”

Practice Time!

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “get” based on the examples above:

1. I need to ______ some fresh air after being indoors all day.
2. They always ______ along, even when they disagree.
3. Can you ______ me by phone later today?
4. He’s ______ frustrated with the slow progress.
5. Let’s ______ together for lunch next week!

Answers:

1. get
2. get
3. get in touch with
4. getting
5. get

Quick Tip

Remember, “get” can often replace words like “become,” “obtain,” or “arrive,” and is highly flexible in casual conversation. To make things clearer, pay attention to the words that follow “get” to determine its specific meaning.