Get: Different meanings

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Get: Different Meanings

Chart explaining the different meanings of the verb 'get' with example sentences for a B2 pre-advanced grammar lesson, including 'get + object', 'get to + place', 'get + adjective', 'get + past participle', passive uses, and causative structures.

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The verb get is one of the most common—and versatile—verbs in English. At B2 level, it’s essential to understand its many meanings, from receiving or buying to becoming, arriving, and even forming causative or passive structures. This guide breaks down its key uses with clear examples.

🟦 Get + Direct Object = Obtain, Receive, Buy, Bring, Catch

➤ Obtain

  • He always gets everything he wants.
  • He got his driving licence last week.

➤ Receive

  • I got a letter from John yesterday.
  • She gets lots of presents from her fans.

➤ Buy

  • We need to get a new computer. The old one is broken.
  • Can you go to the shop to get some milk?

➤ Bring

  • Can you get me a couple of glasses from the kitchen?
  • Can I get you a drink?

➤ Catch

  • Do you think we’ll have time to get the 7.40 train?
  • I need to get the first flight to Seattle.

🟩 Get to + Place = Arrive / Reach

  • He always gets home very late.
  • We got to London on the 8 o’clock train.
  • How long does it take you to get to work?

💡 Note: We say get home / get there / get here (no to), but get to London / get to school.

🟪 Get + Adjective / Past Participle = Become

➤ Get + Adjective

  • I’m getting old.
  • He gets angry very easily.
  • You should go. It’s getting dark.

➤ Get + Past Participle

  • It’s very late and they are not here. I’m getting worried.
  • He gets very tired after every concert.
  • We got married last year.

🟨 Get = Be (Passive Verb Forms)

In informal English, get can replace be in passive constructions—especially for unexpected or negative events.

  • I got caught by the police after jumping a red light. (= was caught)
  • She almost got killed by a drunk driver. (= was killed)
  • His articles are always getting criticised by the press. (= being criticised)

🔵 Get Something Done = Have Something Done (Causative)

We use this structure when someone else does something for us (often because we pay or ask them).

  • We are getting the house painted next week.
  • You should get your tyres changed.

🟥 Get Someone to Do Something = Make / Ask / Persuade

This structure means you cause or convince someone to take action.

  • How can parents get their children to read more?
  • I don’t know how to get my partner to do more things around the house.