get

To receive something or obtain it by buying, finding, or asking for it.

• Did you get my message?
• I got a new coat yesterday.
• She gets money from her parents every month.

How to use it: get something from someone (I got a letter from my aunt.); get someone something (Can you get me a glass of water?)

Similar words: receive, obtain, acquire

Opposites: give

Common phrases: get a job, get something, get a message

To begin to be in a different state or condition, including becoming ill.

• I get hungry after swimming.
• Her headache got worse.
• It is getting cold outside.

How to use it: get + adjective (The days are getting shorter.)

Similar words: become

Common phrases: get tired, get better, get sick, get ready

Used before a past participle to show that something happens to someone or something.

• Do you get paid weekly?
• She got invited to the wedding.
• The windows got broken during the storm.

How to use it: get + past participle (My bike got stolen.); get + past participle + by someone/something (He got hit by a falling branch.)

Similar words: be

Common phrases: get paid, get hurt, get caught

To understand what someone means or why something is funny or important.

• I get your point.
• She did not get the joke.
• Do you get what I mean?

Similar words: understand, follow

Common phrases: get the joke, get the point, get it