Learn English:10 Common Uses of "Get"(with Examples!)
- Rose Sensei
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 17
The 10 Different Uses & Meanings of GET
“Get” is a small word with big power! It can mean many things depending on the context.
In this post, you’ll learn how to use "get" in 10 useful ways, with clear examples and real-life situations.
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How to Use GET in 10 Different Ways + Meaning & Examples
1. Get = Receive
Used when you receive something.
✅ I got a gift for my birthday.
✅ Did you get my email?
2. Get = Obtain / Buy
Used when you obtain something or buy it.
✅ She got a new phone last week.
✅ Let’s get some coffee!
3. Get = Become
Used when something changes—often in emotions or conditions.
✅ It’s getting dark outside.
✅ I got tired after work.
✅ He’s getting angry.
4. Get = Arrive
Used when talking about reaching a place.
✅ What time did you get home?
✅ I usually get to work by 9 a.m.
5. Get = Understand
Used to mean understand or catch the meaning.
✅ I don’t get the joke.
✅ Oh, now I get it!
6. Get = Bring / Fetch
Used when you go to get something or someone.
✅ Can you get me some water?
✅ I’ll get the keys from the car.
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7. Get + past participle (Passive Voice)
"Get" is sometimes used instead of "be" in the passive voice.
✅ He got promoted last month.
✅ My phone got stolen!
8. Get to + verb = Have the opportunity
Used to mean you have the chance or opportunity to do something.
✅ I get to travel a lot for work.
✅ We didn’t get to see the concert.
9. Get used to + noun/verb-ing
Used when you're learning to become comfortable with something.
✅ I’m getting used to waking up early.
✅ Are you getting used to the cold weather?
10. Phrasal Verbs with "Get"
There are many phrasal verbs using "get".
Here are a few:
Get up – wake up➤ I get up at 7 every day.
Get on with – continue➤ Let’s get on with the meeting.
Get over – recover from➤ She finally got over the flu.
Get by – manage➤ I can get by with a little Spanish.
🎯 Practice Tip:
Create your own sentences using each meaning of get. Try using real examples from your day.
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Ready to master “get” and speak English like a pro? Download our FREE worksheet pack below with all activities and answers. Practice daily, and you’ll see quick improvement!
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Thank you for reading!
The verb “get” is everywhere in English conversations, movies, and music. The more you practice, the more natural your English will sound. Use the activities above to test yourself or study with a friend.
Remember, learning English is fun and easier when you practice with stories and real-life examples. Keep practising and see you in the next lesson!
📚 Recommended English Learning Books
Want to improve your English even faster? These books are some of my favourites — perfect for mastering verbs like get and improving your grammar and vocabulary. If you decide to buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my blog!
🔗English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy
A clear and easy-to-understand grammar guide for learners at all levels. Great for practicing verbs, tenses, and sentence structure.
🔗English Phrasal Verbs in Use by Michael McCarthy
Learn hundreds of phrasal verbs like “get up,” “get over,” and more with this user-friendly book.
🔗Fluent English by Barbara Raifsnider
Focuses on fluency and natural English conversation — ideal for adult learners wanting to sound more like native speakers.
🛠️ Useful Tools for English Practice
🔗Notebook for Vocabulary Practice
— Keep track of new words and expressions with a handy notebook.
— Perfect for learning and reviewing essential phrasal verbs daily.
— Improve your listening skills by blocking out distractions during practice.
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