Different Uses of "Get" in English

The verb get is one of the most useful words in English — and one of the most confusing for Spanish speakers. In a dictionary, get often translates as obtener or recibir, but in real conversation it appears in dozens of fixed expressions where the meaning changes completely.

This lesson covers 12 common expressions with get that you’ll hear every day. Each one has a specific meaning, so don’t try to translate get literally every time.

Get Off

Meaning: To leave a bus, train, plane, or other form of transport. It can also mean to leave work or school early.

• I got off the train because I took the wrong one.
• I got off early from work because I had a medical appointment.
• We got off the plane and went straight to the hotel.

Get Out Of

Meaning: To avoid something you were expected to do — a meeting, an obligation, or a punishment.

• I couldn’t get out of the meeting because my boss was there.
• My teacher was so busy that she forgot to talk to my parents, so I got out of punishment.
• He tried to get out of doing the dishes, but his mom said no.

Get It

Meaning: To understand something. Very common in everyday speech.

• I get the lesson completely.
• The lesson was so easy that I got it right away.
• Wait, I don’t get it — can you explain again?

Get Over

Meaning: To recover emotionally from something difficult — a breakup, a betrayal, bad news.

• My girlfriend cheated on me, so I need time to get over it.
• I heard my best friend talking badly about me on the phone. I’ll never get over it.
• It took her months to get over the loss of her job.

Get Going

Meaning: To start moving or working; to hurry up. Often used when time is running out.

• The deadline for this project is next week, so I need to get going.
• My team needs to launch a new release soon, so we need to get going.
• Come on, let’s get going — we’re going to be late.

Get Away With

Meaning: To do something wrong (or unusual) without being caught or punished.

• I cheated on the exam and the teacher didn’t notice, so I got away with it.
• Do you think I can get away with wearing jeans to the interview?
• He always gets away with being late because the boss likes him.

Get Used To

Meaning: To become accustomed to something new — a habit, a place, a routine.

Structure: get used to + -ing (gerund) or a noun

• I’m getting used to using AI for writing code.
• I got used to spending a lot of time in traffic when I lived in Bogotá.
• You’ll get used to the cold weather after a few weeks.

Get Home

Meaning: To arrive at your house or apartment. Get here means “reach” or “arrive,” not “obtain.”

• I’m so tired — I need to get home.
• I thought the U.S. would be fun, but I just want to get home.
• What time do you usually get home from work?

Get the Feeling

Meaning: To have a sense or intuition about something — similar to get a hunch.

• I get the feeling that today is going to be a bad day.
• My grades aren’t good, so I get the feeling that I’ll have problems at home.
• Do you get the feeling that something is wrong?

Get Through

Meaning: This expression has two common uses:

1. To finish or complete something long or difficult (a book, a task, a period of time).
2. To help someone survive a difficult time (often with with).

• It’s hard for me to finish long novels. I just can’t get through them.
• We need to get through this month before the budget improves.
• I’ll help you get through the sickness — you won’t be alone.

Note: Through can also mean physical movement (walk through the door), but get through in conversation usually means finishing or enduring something.

Get to Know

Meaning: To gradually learn about someone — their personality, habits, and character — over time.

• I need to get to know you before we get married.
• I want to get to know my son’s girlfriend before I give my approval.
• It takes time to really get to know a new coworker.

Get Around To

Meaning: To finally find time to do something you have been postponing.

Structure: get around to + -ing (gerund)

• I need to get around to working on my side project.
• I finally got around to checking the report yesterday.
• Have you gotten around to calling the dentist yet?

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors:

• ❌ I’m getting used to use AI. ✅ I’m getting used to using AI. (After “get used to,” use a gerund.)
• ❌ I got around to check the report. ✅ I got around to checking the report. (After “get around to,” use a gerund.)
• ❌ I need to get home. (This one is actually correct! Don’t add “to” — it’s “get home,” not “get to home”.)
• ❌ I couldn’t get out of meeting. (Missing article) ✅ I couldn’t get out of the meeting.
• ❌ I get the lesson completely. (Present is fine, but “I got it” is more natural when you understood in the past.) ✅ I got it completely. (Past: you understood.)

Quick Summary

Practice these expressions in your daily conversations. Once you stop translating get as obtener every time, English will start to feel much more natural.