14 Useful Verb Constructions with Get

 

1. get the impression = think, have an idea or opinion:

I get the impression you’re a bit annoyed with me. Have I done something wrong?

2. get a shock = be very surprised, especially by something unpleasant:

You’ll get a shock when you see him. He looks at least ten years older.

3. get out of the way = move to one side to allow somebody or something to pass:

I tried to walk past him but he wouldn’t get out of the way. He just stood there, blocking the path.

4. get rid of = throw away, make yourself free of somebody or something:

I want to get rid of that awful painting, but I can’t because it was a wedding present from my mother-in-law.

5. get your own back on = take revenge on somebody:

I’m going to get my own back on my brother for telling my parents I got back late. Next time he asks to borrow my bike, I won’t lend it to him.

6. get real = used for telling someone that they should try to understand the true facts of a situation and not hope for what is impossible:

Get real! There is no way you can afford that car!

7. get a life = something you say to a boring person when you want them to do more exciting things:

Get a life! You are 35 and you’re still living with your parents!

8. get on someone’s nerves = to annoy someone a lot:

She really gets on my nerves. Everything about her irritates me, her voice, her smile – everything!

9. get a grip (on yourself) = to make an effort to control your emotions and behave more calmly:

I just think he ought to get a grip on himself – he’s behaving like a child.

10. get a move on = to hurry:

We need to get a move on if we’re going to catch a train.

11. get a feel for something = to begin to understand how to do something well:

I practised for a few hours before I really got a feel for the best way to do it.

12. get (something) through (to somebody) = to succeed in making someone understand or believe in something:

I’ve tried to talk about it, but I just can’t get through to him.

13. get away with something = do something wrong without getting caught or punished:

She’s cheated in exams several times but she always gets away with it.

14. get out of = avoid a responsibility or an obligation:

I want to get out of going to Ann’s party. Can you think of a good excuse?