The Many Meanings of "Get" — One Verb, So Many Uses!
Updated: Aug 30
Some of my English students have been noticing something strange lately: the verb "get" is everywhere. Native English speakers, like myself, use "get" in many sentences. But what does it mean? Is it different every time? When is it inappropriate to use?
Sometimes "get" can mean "arrive," "receive," "understand," and even "become." At other times, "get" can replace a more specific verb altogether.
In fact, "get" is one of the most versatile and informal verbs in English. In casual speech, it often replaces more specific verbs. Sometimes we do this to sound more natural, while at other times, it is just a matter of habit.
Let’s explore the main uses of "get," what they mean, and when it’s acceptable to use them. Don't forget to test your knowledge with the mini quiz below!
The Many Meanings of "Get"
1. Get = Receive / Obtain / Buy
Examples:
I got a package in the mail. → received
Did you get my message? → receive
Can you get some milk at the store? → buy
She got a new phone yesterday. → bought/received
2. Get = Arrive
Examples:
What time did you get there? → arrive
We got home around 10 p.m. → arrived
Has the package gotten there yet? → arrived
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3. Get = Become (Change of State)
Examples:
It’s getting dark outside. → becoming
He got angry when he heard the news. → became
She got sick last week. → became ill/sick
4. Get = Understand
Examples:
Do you get what I mean? → understand
I don’t get this part of the lesson. → understand
I don't get it. → understand
5. Get = Bring / Fetch / Grab
Examples:
Can you get my bag for me? → bring
I’ll get the door. → go open it
Go get your coat! → fetch, bring
Can you get the umbrella on your way out? → grab
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6. Get = Have Something Done / Cause Something to Happen
This is known as the causative form. It occurs when one person causes another to perform an action for them.
Examples:
I got my hair cut. → I had someone cut it for me
We got the car fixed yesterday. → We had someone repair the car for us
He got me to help him move. → He persuaded or made me help him move
7. Get = Catch / Contract (For Illnesses)
Examples:
He got a cold last week. → caught
I think I’m getting sick. → contracting; I'm not sick yet, but I feel like I will be soon.
8. Get = Be Affected By / Experience
Examples:
I got hit by the ball. → I was hit
We got stuck in traffic. → We were stuck
She got caught in the rain. → She was caught
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When NOT to Use "Get"
While "get" is informal and flexible, there are situations where it’s best to avoid it.
❌ In academic essays: She got sick → She became ill
❌ In business emails: I got your report → I received your report
❌ In news articles: He got in trouble → He was reprimanded
❌ In an interview: I got a degree in finance → I obtained a degree in finance
The more serious or professional your tone needs to be, the less you should use "get". Choose a more specific verb whenever you need to sound professional. It can often times be okay to use "get" in the workplace during a spoken conversation, e.g. "I got the email you sent me," but we try not to use it in our writing in the workplace.
Speaking vs. Writing
It can be okay to use "get" in spoken conversations at work, e.g., "I got the email you sent me," but we try to avoid it in our workplace writing.
Tip:
Remember, using "get" might be fine when speaking at work, but should generally be avoided in writing.
Mini Quiz
Choose the best replacement for "get" in the following sentences:
He got a new watch last weekend.
a) became
b) received
c) arrived
d) brought
They got to the party late.
a) received
b) arrived
c) understood
d) bought
She got tired after the run.
a) became
b) arrived
c) caught
d) understood
Can you get that book for me?
a) understand
b) buy
c) grab
d) become
I didn’t get the joke.
a) arrive
b) buy
c) understand
d) become
Answers
b) received
b) arrived
a) became
c) grab
c) understand
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Final Thoughts
"Get" is flexible and is commonly used in casual speech. However, avoid using it when you need to be specific or sound professional. As a learner, knowing when and how "get" is used in casual versus formal settings will make your English more natural and accurate.
Are there any examples I missed in this article? Or perhaps you have a question about a specific sentence you've seen? Leave a comment below, and we can discuss it!
