Understanding collocations is crucial for achieving fluency and naturalness in English. Among the most versatile verbs in the English language is “get,” which forms countless collocations.
Mastering these combinations will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively and understand native speakers. This article provides a comprehensive guide to collocations with “get,” covering various types, usage rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you unlock the full potential of “get” in your English.
By learning these collocations, you will be able to produce more idiomatic and natural English, making your communication more effective and engaging. This guide is designed for English language learners of all levels who want to improve their fluency and accuracy.
Dive in and start mastering the art of using “get” in its many forms!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Collocations with “Get”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Collocations with “Get”
- Examples of Collocations with “Get”
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Collocations with “Get”
A collocation is a combination of words that are frequently used together in a language. These combinations sound natural to native speakers and are often difficult to translate directly into other languages. Collocations are not based on strict grammatical rules but rather on common usage and convention.
The verb “get” is one of the most versatile verbs in English and is used in numerous collocations. These collocations can express a wide range of meanings, including acquiring, becoming, understanding, and causing something to happen.
Understanding and using these collocations correctly is essential for fluent and natural English communication. “Get” can be categorized into various functions based on the types of words that follow it, such as verbs, adjectives, nouns, and prepositions, each creating unique meanings and usages.
In simple terms, collocations with “get” are fixed expressions where “get” combines with other words to create specific meanings. These combinations are not always predictable, making them an important aspect of English vocabulary to learn.
For instance, “get married” is a common collocation meaning to become married, while “get a job” means to obtain employment. These expressions are idiomatic, meaning their combined meaning is different from the literal meanings of the individual words.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of collocations with “get” can vary depending on the type of word that follows “get.” Here’s a breakdown of the common structures:
- Get + Verb (Past Participle): This structure is used to form the passive voice or to express something being done. Example: get paid, get invited.
- Get + Adjective: This structure is used to express a change in state or condition. Example: get angry, get tired.
- Get + Noun: This structure is used to express acquiring, obtaining, or receiving something. Example: get a job, get a letter.
- Get + Preposition: This structure forms phrasal verbs with specific meanings. Example: get up, get over.
Understanding these basic structures helps in recognizing and using collocations with “get” effectively. Each structure has its own set of rules and common usages, which will be explored in detail in the following sections.
Pay close attention to the context in which these collocations are used, as the meaning can vary depending on the situation.
Types and Categories of Collocations with “Get”
Collocations with “get” can be categorized based on the type of word that follows “get.” This categorization helps in understanding the different functions and meanings of “get” in various contexts.
“Get” + Verbs (Passive Voice & Causative)
When “get” is followed by a past participle (verb in the third form), it often forms the passive voice or expresses a causative meaning. In the passive voice, it indicates that the subject is receiving an action.
In a causative sense, it implies that the subject is causing something to be done. Understanding this structure is crucial for comprehending many common English expressions.
For example, “get paid” means to receive payment, and “get invited” means to be invited. These collocations are frequently used in everyday conversation and writing.
The passive voice with “get” is often used in informal contexts, while the passive voice with “be” is more formal.
“Get” + Adjectives (Expressing Changes in State)
When “get” is followed by an adjective, it typically expresses a change in state or condition. This structure is used to describe how someone or something is becoming.
These collocations are essential for describing feelings, emotions, and physical states.
For example, “get angry” means to become angry, and “get tired” means to become tired. These collocations are commonly used to describe gradual changes.
The use of “get” in this context is more dynamic than using “be,” as it emphasizes the process of changing from one state to another.
“Get” + Nouns (Acquiring, Obtaining, Receiving)
When “get” is followed by a noun, it usually means to acquire, obtain, or receive something. These collocations are used to describe the act of gaining possession of something or receiving something from someone.
For example, “get a job” means to obtain employment, and “get a letter” means to receive a letter. These collocations are straightforward and commonly used in everyday communication.
The noun that follows “get” is typically something tangible or intangible that can be acquired or received.
“Get” + Prepositions (Phrasal Verbs)
When “get” is followed by a preposition, it forms a phrasal verb. Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and a preposition (or adverb) that create a new meaning.
These collocations are often idiomatic, meaning their meaning is different from the literal meanings of the individual words.
For example, “get up” means to rise from bed, and “get over” means to recover from something. Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English vocabulary and are frequently used in both spoken and written English.
Mastering phrasal verbs with “get” will significantly improve your understanding and use of the English language.
Examples of Collocations with “Get”
This section provides numerous examples of collocations with “get,” categorized by the type of word that follows “get.” These examples will help you understand the different meanings and usages of “get” in various contexts.
“Get” + Verbs Examples
Below are examples of “get” followed by a verb in the past participle form. This structure is often used to form the passive voice or express a causative meaning.
The table provides a variety of sentences to illustrate how these collocations are used in context.
| Collocation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Get paid | I get paid every two weeks. |
| Get invited | We got invited to their wedding. |
| Get dressed | I need to get dressed before we go out. |
| Get lost | We got lost in the city. |
| Get fired | He got fired from his job. |
| Get promoted | She got promoted to senior manager. |
| Get caught | They got caught cheating on the exam. |
| Get hurt | Be careful, or you might get hurt. |
| Get married | They are going to get married next year. |
| Get divorced | They got divorced after five years of marriage. |
| Get elected | He got elected as the new president. |
| Get chosen | I was thrilled to get chosen for the team. |
| Get confused | The instructions were unclear, and I got confused. |
| Get informed | We need to get informed about the latest updates. |
| Get tested | It’s important to get tested regularly for diseases. |
| Get vaccinated | You should get vaccinated before traveling abroad. |
| Get stopped | I got stopped by the police for speeding. |
| Get warned | We got warned about the dangerous road conditions. |
| Get punished | The students got punished for their misbehavior. |
| Get noticed | She finally got noticed for her hard work. |
| Get recognized | His talent got recognized by the company. |
| Get supported | The project got supported by the community. |
| Get funded | The research project got funded by the government. |
| Get renovated | The old building got renovated last year. |
| Get repaired | My car got repaired at the local garage. |
| Get cleaned | The house needs to get cleaned before the guests arrive. |
| Get organized | I need to get my files organized this week. |
| Get updated | The software needs to get updated to the latest version. |
“Get” + Adjectives Examples
The following table illustrates examples of “get” followed by an adjective. This structure is used to express a change in state or condition.
The sentences show how these collocations are used to describe how someone or something is becoming.
| Collocation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Get angry | He gets angry when people are late. |
| Get tired | I get tired after a long day at work. |
| Get hungry | I usually get hungry around lunchtime. |
| Get thirsty | I get thirsty after exercising. |
| Get cold | It’s starting to get cold outside. |
| Get dark | It gets dark early in the winter. |
| Get late | It’s getting late, we should go home. |
| Get better | I hope you get better soon. |
| Get worse | The weather is getting worse. |
| Get ready | I need to get ready for the meeting. |
| Get busy | I’m getting busy with my new project. |
| Get excited | We’re getting excited about our vacation. |
| Get nervous | I always get nervous before exams. |
| Get scared | She gets scared easily during horror movies. |
| Get bored | I get bored when I have nothing to do. |
| Get wet | You’ll get wet if you don’t take an umbrella. |
| Get dry | The clothes will get dry in the sun. |
| Get old | We all get old eventually. |
| Get rich | He wants to get rich by investing in stocks. |
| Get poor | They got poor after losing their jobs. |
| Get strong | He’s been working out to get strong. |
| Get weak | She felt herself get weak after the illness. |
| Get healthy | Eating well and exercising helps you get healthy. |
| Get sick | I don’t want to get sick before the trip. |
| Get comfortable | Make yourself comfortable while we wait. |
| Get familiar | I need to get familiar with the new software. |
| Get accustomed | It takes time to get accustomed to a new culture. |
“Get” + Nouns Examples
The following table provides examples of “get” followed by a noun. This structure is used to express acquiring, obtaining, or receiving something.
These sentences illustrate how these collocations are used to describe the act of gaining possession or receiving something.
| Collocation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Get a job | I need to get a job to pay my bills. |
| Get a letter | I got a letter from my friend today. |
| Get a car | He wants to get a car next year. |
| Get a house | They are planning to get a house in the suburbs. |
| Get a degree | She wants to get a degree in engineering. |
| Get a ticket | I need to get a ticket for the concert. |
| Get a visa | You need to get a visa to travel to certain countries. |
| Get a loan | They had to get a loan to buy the house. |
| Get a raise | He got a raise for his excellent performance. |
| Get a promotion | She got a promotion at work. |
| Get permission | You need to get permission before you can start the project. |
| Get approval | The plan needs to get approval from the board. |
| Get information | I need to get information about the new policy. |
| Get advice | It’s always good to get advice from experts. |
| Get help | Don’t hesitate to get help if you need it. |
| Get support | It’s important to get support from your family and friends. |
| Get a chance | I hope I get a chance to visit Paris someday. |
| Get an opportunity | This is a great opportunity to learn new skills. |
| Get a break | I need to get a break from work. |
| Get a discount | You can get a discount if you shop during the sale. |
| Get experience | Internships are a great way to get experience. |
| Get knowledge | Reading books is a great way to get knowledge. |
| Get access | You need a password to get access to the system. |
| Get insurance | It’s important to get insurance for your car. |
| Get credit | Building a good credit score is important for loans. |
| Get results | Hard work is the key to get results. |
| Get feedback | We need to get feedback on our performance. |
“Get” + Prepositions Examples (Phrasal Verbs)
The following table provides examples of “get” followed by a preposition, forming phrasal verbs. These collocations have specific meanings that are often idiomatic.
The sentences illustrate how these phrasal verbs are used in context.
| Collocation | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Get up | To rise from bed | I get up at 7 AM every morning. |
| Get over | To recover from something | It took me a while to get over the flu. |
| Get along | To have a good relationship | I get along well with my colleagues. |
| Get away | To escape | We need to get away from the city for a weekend. |
| Get by | To manage with limited resources | We can get by on a small budget. |
| Get through | To complete or finish something | I need to get through this report by tomorrow. |
| Get into | To become interested in | I’m starting to get into yoga. |
| Get out of | To avoid doing something | I tried to get out of going to the party. |
| Get on with | To continue doing something | Let’s get on with the meeting. |
| Get around | To travel or move from place to place | It’s easy to get around the city by public transport. |
| Get across | To communicate effectively | I tried to get my point across, but no one understood. |
| Get ahead | To make progress | You need to work hard to get ahead in this company. |
| Get back | To return | I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. |
| Get down | To depress or discourage | The bad news really got me down. |
| Get in | To enter a car or building | I’ll get in the car and wait for you. |
| Get off | To leave a bus, train, or plane | I need to get off at the next stop. |
| Get on | To enter a bus, train, or plane | We need to get on the bus quickly. |
| Get together | To meet socially | Let’s get together for coffee sometime. |
| Get through to | To make someone understand | I can’t seem to get through to him. |
| Get behind | To support | I’ll get behind you in this project. |
| Get into | To fit into | I can’t get into these jeans anymore. |
| Get over with | To finish something unpleasant | Let’s get this over with quickly. |
| Get away with | To avoid punishment | He thought he could get away with cheating. |
| Get around to | To find time to do something | I’ll get around to fixing the door eventually. |
| Get back at | To take revenge | He’s trying to get back at me for what I said. |
| Get by on | To survive on limited resources | They get by on a very small income. |
| Get along with | To have a friendly relationship | I get along with my neighbors. |
Usage Rules
When using collocations with “get,” it’s important to follow certain usage rules to ensure accuracy and naturalness. Here are some key rules to keep in mind:
- Context Matters: The meaning of “get” collocations can vary depending on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation to understand the intended meaning.
- Word Order: The word order in collocations is usually fixed. It’s important to use the correct order to avoid sounding unnatural. For example, “get a job” is correct, but “job a get” is incorrect.
- Tense and Form: “Get” can be used in various tenses and forms, such as “getting,” “got,” and “will get.” Make sure to use the correct tense and form to match the context of your sentence.
- Formal vs. Informal: Some collocations with “get” are more common in informal contexts, while others are suitable for both formal and informal situations. Be mindful of your audience and the level of formality required.
- Substitutions: While “get” is versatile, it’s not always interchangeable with other verbs. In some cases, using a different verb can sound more natural or precise. For example, instead of “get a letter,” you could say “receive a letter” in a more formal context.
By following these usage rules, you can ensure that you are using collocations with “get” correctly and effectively. Consistent practice and exposure to authentic English materials will further enhance your understanding and fluency.
Common Mistakes
Many English learners make common mistakes when using collocations with “get.” Being aware of these mistakes can help you avoid them and improve your accuracy. Here are some frequent errors and how to correct them:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I get tired always. | I always get tired. | Adverbs of frequency usually go before “get.” |
| She got a work. | She got a job. | “Job” is the correct noun to use with “get” in this context. |
| He gets angry every time. | He gets angry every time. | This is correct, no changes needed. |
| I will get marrying next year. | I will get married next year. | Use the past participle “married” after “get.” |
| We got losing in the city. | We got lost in the city. | Use the past participle “lost” after “get.” |
| I get up always early. | I always get up early. | Adverbs of frequency usually go before “get up.” |
| They get over with the flu. | They got over the flu. | “Get over” does not need “with” after it. |
| I get a advice from her. | I get advice from her. | “Advice” is an uncountable noun, so it doesn’t need “a.” |
| She get a promotion. | She got a promotion. | Use the past tense “got” to match the past event. |
| He get a raise last month. | He got a raise last month. | Use the past tense “got” to match the past event. |
By paying attention to these common mistakes and practicing the correct forms, you can significantly improve your accuracy and fluency in using collocations with “get.” Regular review and self-correction are key to mastering these expressions.
Practice Exercises
These practice exercises will help you reinforce your understanding of collocations with “get.” Each exercise focuses on different aspects of using “get” in various contexts. Complete the exercises to test your knowledge and improve your skills.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct collocation using “get.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I usually _________ at 7 AM on weekdays. | get up |
| 2. She wants to _________ in engineering. | get a degree |
| 3. It’s starting to _________ outside. | get cold |
| 4. He _________ from his job last week. | got fired |
| 5. We need to _________ for our trip tomorrow. | get ready |
| 6. I hope you _________ soon. | get better |
| 7. They _________ married last year. | got married |
| 8. I need to _________ about the new policy. | get information |
| 9. We _________ in the city. | got lost |
| 10. I _________ when I don’t have anything to do. | get bored |
Exercise 2: Error Correction
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Question | Corrected Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I get always tired after work. | I always get tired after work. |
| 2. She get a job last month. | She got a job last month. |
| 3. We get over with the problem. | We got over the problem. |
| 4. He get angry every time. | He gets angry every time. |
| 5. They get marrying next year. | They are getting married next year. |
| 6. I get a advice from my teacher. | I get advice from my teacher. |
| 7. The weather is get worse. | The weather is getting worse. |
| 8. I get up always at 6 AM. | I always get up at 6 AM. |
| 9. She gets promote next year. | She will get promoted next year. |
| 10. He gets a loan for buy a car. | He got a loan to buy a car. |
Exercise 3: Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences using an appropriate collocation with “get.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. If you don’t wear a coat, you will _________. | get cold |
| 2. After the long flight, I _________. | got tired |
| 3. To access the building, you need to _________. | get permission |
| 4. If you study hard, you will _________. | get good grades |
| 5. After the argument, they didn’t _________. | get along |
| 6. I need to _________ this report by Friday. | get through |
| 7. We should _________ for coffee sometime. | get together |
| 8. You need to _________ before you can drive. | get a license |
| 9. If you don’t pay attention, you might _________. | get lost |
| 10. It’s important to _________ from your family. | get support |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, there are more complex aspects of collocations with “get” to explore. These include nuanced meanings, idiomatic expressions, and regional variations.
Understanding these advanced topics will further refine your English language skills.
- Nuanced Meanings: Some collocations with “get” have subtle differences in meaning depending on the context. For example, “get a feeling” can mean to have an intuition, while “get the feeling” can mean to understand something implicitly.
- Idiomatic Expressions: Many idiomatic expressions use “get” in unique and figurative ways. For example, “get something off your chest” means to express something that has been bothering you.
- Regional Variations: The usage of certain collocations with “get” can vary by region. What is common in British English may be less common in American English, and vice versa.
- Literary Uses: In literature, authors often use collocations with “get” creatively to convey specific emotions or create vivid imagery. Analyzing these uses can enhance your appreciation of the English language.
- Formal vs Informal: It’s crucial to understand when certain collocations with “get” are appropriate. For instance, using “get” in the passive voice (e.g., “I got fired”) is more informal than using “be” (e.g., “I was fired”).
By delving into these advanced topics, you can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of collocations with “get.” This will enable you to use these expressions with greater confidence and accuracy.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about collocations with “get,” along with detailed answers to help clarify common points of confusion.
- What is the difference between “get” and “become”?
“Get” and “become” are often interchangeable when expressing a change in state, but “get” is generally more informal. “Become” is often used in more formal or literary contexts. For example, “I got tired” is more casual than “I became tired.”
- How do I know which word to use with “get” in a collocation?
The best way to learn which words collocate with “get” is through exposure and practice. Read widely, listen to native speakers, and pay attention to the combinations that are commonly used. Dictionaries and collocation resources can also be helpful.
- Is it wrong to use “get” in formal writing?
While “get” is generally considered informal, it is acceptable in formal writing when used appropriately. However, it’s often better to opt for more formal alternatives when possible, such as “obtain,” “receive,” or “become,” depending on the context.
- What are some common mistakes to avoid when using “get” collocations?
Common mistakes include incorrect word order, using the wrong tense, and using “get” in situations where a more formal verb would be appropriate. Pay attention to the specific rules and patterns of each collocation to avoid these errors.
- How can I improve my understanding of phrasal verbs with “get”?
Phrasal
verbs with “get” can be challenging, but consistent practice and exposure can help. Use flashcards, online resources, and real-life examples to learn the meanings and usages of these verbs. Pay attention to the context in which they are used and try to use them in your own speaking and writing. - Are collocations with “get” the same in British and American English?
While many collocations with “get” are the same in both British and American English, there can be some regional variations. Be aware of these differences and adapt your usage accordingly. For example, some phrasal verbs may be more common in one region than another.
- How important is it to learn collocations with “get”?
Learning collocations with “get” is highly important for achieving fluency and naturalness in English. These expressions are frequently used by native speakers, and mastering them will significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively and understand spoken and written English.
- Where can I find more exercises to practice collocations with “get”?
You can find more exercises in English language textbooks, online learning platforms, and language learning apps. Additionally, creating your own sentences using different collocations with “get” can be a very effective practice method.
Conclusion
Mastering collocations with “get” is an essential step towards achieving fluency and naturalness in English. By understanding the different types of collocations, following the usage rules, and avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly improve your communication skills.
Consistent practice and exposure to authentic English materials are key to mastering these expressions.
This comprehensive guide has provided you with the knowledge and tools you need to confidently use collocations with “get” in various contexts. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, continue to practice and refine your skills.
The more you use these collocations, the more natural and fluent your English will become. Embrace the challenge and enjoy the journey of mastering the art of using “get” in its many forms.
Happy learning!