English with Darren

Get can be difficult for English learners because it has lots of different meanings.  Here are some examples.

Examples

1. I hope I get a pay rise this year.  I've worked really hard!
2. Most customers usually get annoyed if they have to wait a long time on the phone.
3. The meeting finished late and I didn't get home until well after eight.
4. I hate using public transport.  I only get the train to work if my car's at the garage.
5. I never get up before nine o'clock on a Saturday morning.

Learning Points

1. Get = to receive.  This is the usual meaning of get.
   Also:  to get an email, to get a text message, etc.
2. Get = to become. This meaning describes when we start to be something and we often use get + adjective.
   Also:  to get angry, to get older. 
3. Get + to = to arrive.
   Also:  get to work, get to school.
   Important:  We don't use 'to' with home:  get home.
4. Get = to use public transport.
   Also: to get the bus / the tram / the Tube to work.
5. Get in phrasal verbs (get + preposition):
   to get on  (a bus)
   to get off (a bus)
   to get on well with someone (I get on well with Joe.  We sometimes go out for a drink after work).

Interested in learning more?

Phrasal verbs are very common in English.  Using them will make your language much more natural and precise.

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