GET is sometimes confusing because in conversations it can replace a number of verbs.
As always, you can download a free Study Sheet with explanations and examples at the end of this post.
Do you get it?
Ellen is talking to Tom: A one-sided phone conversation about understanding.
- Hey, yes, it’s me. I’m calling about yesterday.
- Right, yes, that’s what I said yesterday. But you got me totally wrong there.
- It’s just that I’m sick of his bad manners, do you get me? Why can’t he even greet me?
- Sorry, I don’t get why I should make the first step.
- No, sorry. I still don’t get it.
- OK, yes, he’s shy, I get that. But I still don’t see why…
- No, sorry, no way. Don’t get me wrong, but it’s his turn to make a move.
- What? Bad line, I’m afraid… I didn’t get what you just said.
- Say that again, please? Ah, OK, now I got it.
- Yes, OK, I think I get the idea.
- So if I get you right you’re saying that instead of talking I should write to him…
- Yes, I’ll do my best. I just hope he gets the message.
- All right. Bye. Yes, love you, too.
Will Ellen and George become friends in the end? Still wondering about the girl on the bus? Read Episode 5 next.
GET can replace a number of verbs:
- understand
- make food
- pay at a restaurant
- answer the door or the telephone
- affect emotionally
For more explanations and examples, download a free Study Sheet on this topic as a PDF. GET_Understand_OtherVerbs_PDF
Get a Life! – The series
- Introduction: Learn 7 facts about the verb GET.
- Episode 1: What did you get? Meet George, Ellen and Tom, and find out about GET + noun.
- Episode 2: Getting better? The flight attendant and the book lover. Learn about GET + adjective.
- Episode 3: Getting up and around: George on the move. Phrasal verbs with GET to speak about movement.
- Episode 5: What’s she got? George has got to make an effort. Find out a bit more about the girl on the bus and see how you can use GET to speak aboout possession and obligation.
- Episode 6: Nobody likes to get hurt. George’s letter to Ellen. Learn about GET in the Passive.
- Episode 7: Lots of things to get done. Preparing a wedding. See how to use GET in the Causative.
- Episode 8: Not everyone gets to do it. Finally meet Sarah, and learn about the two uses of GET to do something.
- Episode 9: Can we get them to do it? It got me thinking. Learn about GET for persuading and motivating people to do something while each of our characters are thinking about the wedding in their own way.