Uses of Get

Get is one of the commonest words in English. It is used in many different ways.

Note that get is sometimes avoided in very formal writing, but it is correct in most kinds of speech and writing.

Get + noun/pronoun

When get is followed by a direct object, it usually means ‘receive’, ‘fetch’, ‘obtain’, ‘catch’  or similar ideas.

He has got a prize.

I get a headache whenever I watch TV.

Get can be followed by two objects.

Can you get me a drink?

Get + adjective

Before an adjective, get usually means ‘become’.

My hands and feet were getting cold.

Get can also be followed by object + adjective.

Can you get the kids ready for school?

Get + adverb particle or preposition

When get is followed by an adverb particle or preposition, it refers to a movement of some sort.

I get up at 6 o’clock.

When I went to see him, he told me to get out.

Get + past participle

Get can be followed by a past participle. This structure is often used to talk about things that we do to ourselves.

I only take two minutes to get dressed.

Get + past participle is also used in passive structures.

My watch got broken while was playing.

Get + object + past participle

This structure can be used to talk about things that happen to us.

I got my car stolen last week.

We got our roof blown off in the storm.

Note that in American English, the past participle of get is gotten.