How and when do we use the words take and get? Thanks.
If you look GET up in a dictionary, the first entry is usually RECEIVE/ OBTAIN.
- I got some flowers. (I received some flowers. Someone gave me some flowers)
- Zack got a new pair of shoes from his mum.
- How much do you get for looking after Jane’s children?
- Did you get the tickets?
- Why don’t you get a car?
- I think you should get a new job.
- Don’t tell mum about the car. She’ll get a shock.
On the other hand, the main meaning of TAKE is CARRY/ MOVE from one place to another.
- Can you take the kids to school today? (‘carry’ them to school in your car)
- Take an umbrella. It’s raining.
- Can you take my shirt to the dry-cleaner?
- Don’t forget to take your driving license with you.
- Have you taken out the rubbish?
- Where are they taking your car?
- I’m going to take my camera with me.
Bad news is, that both verbs have countless other meanings as well. If you have some time and would like to learn more about them, read the following posts:
Read more:
Multiple Meaning Words: Run, Take, Break, Turn, Set, Go, Play, Up…
Difference Between GET and BE!
Difference between GET and BECOME with examples!
List Of Phrasal Verbs with GET!
Difference Between BRING and TAKE!
Also, check out these collocations:
TAKE AN EXAM/ LESSON/ COURSE
- I’m taking English lessons to help me prepare for the IELTS.
TAKE A BUS/ TRAIN/ TAXI/ PLANE
- Don’t take the bus. It’s faster if you take a train.
TAKE A PHOTO
- Why did you take so many photos on holiday?
TAKE A BREAK
- I think we should take a break before we move on to the next point.
TAKE A DECISION
- You have to take lots of decisions in life.
TAKE A SHOWER
- We’ll be leaving in five minutes. I’ll just take a shower first.
TAKE A SEAT
- Take a seat. Would you like some tea?
TAKE TIME OFF
- I’m exhausted. I think I’ll take some time off and spend a few days with my sister in the countryside.
TAKE YOUR TIME
- There is no need to rush. Take your time.
[Tweet “TAKE your time, time off, a seat, a shower, a decision, a break, a bus, an exam”]
GET DARK
- I’d like to get home before it gets dark.
GET HOME
- What time did you get home last night? I didn’t hear you come in.
GET MARRIED/ DIVORCED
- Are you sure you want to get married? You’ve only known him for two weeks.
GET DRESSED/ UNDRESSED/ CHANGED
- Can you wait here while I get changed?
GET LOST
- Why haven’t they arrived yet? Do you think they’ve got lost?
GET THE PHONE/ DOOR
- Can you get the phone? I’m doing the dishes.
GET THE MESSAGE
- I told him thousands of times, but he didn’t get the message.
GET THE IMPRESSION
- I get the impression your new boss will be much nicer than the old one.
GET SOME SLEEP
- I didn’t get any sleep last night. My neighbours were having a party.
GET IN TOUCH
- I’ve been trying to get in touch with Rachel all day, but she’s not answering her phone.
[Tweet “GET in touch, sleep, a seat, the message, the phone, lost, married, dressed”]
