A Special Gift

Most people enjoy getting gifts. I like to get gifts. Soon after I made a special new friend, I got a special gift. I got a swan that was made from a wheat plant. Before this I had never gotten anything like it. And I have never gotten anything like it since that time.

One of Many Meanings

In my first post about using “get” in English, I began explaining that “get” has many meanings. In another post, I explained that one use of “get’ is as a main verb with a lot of meanings. this post continues explaining how to use “get” in English.

“Get” = “Receive”

One of the meanings of “get” as a main verb is “receive.” My little story has several examples of using “get” in this way.

Many people enjoy getting gifts. = Many people enjoy receiving gifts.

If you make a sentence using the word “receive,” you can replace this word with “get.”

I like to receive gifts. = I like to get gifts.

Special Note

One special note I must make is that you should not replace “receive” with “get” in formal speaking and writing. Fore example, if you are writing a business email to your boss, you must use “receive.” If you are making a speech at a business meeting, you must use “receive.” But if you are giving a less formal speech like a Ted Talk, you can use “get.” Or if you are talking to your friends, using “get’ is okay.

Your Turn

Now it is time to practice. What are 3 things that you have gotten/received recently? Leave a comment to answer.