Get + Adjective

Get + Adjective = Become

So many students get confused when they hear the word "GET." This word is confusing word because it has many different uses and definitions. Once you understand it, it is a very useful word because you can use it in so many situations!

Today, we will focus on using "get" with adjectives. When you use it together with an adjective, it means " to become," or to begin to be a certain way. It shows that something has changed.

Examples:

• I am hungry now. I get hungry at 12:00 every day. (I start to feel hungry at 12:00)
• I like to read boring books at night. I get tired when I read. (Reading makes me feel tired.)
• It's getting cloudy. I'm happy I brought my umbrella. (Clouds are beginning to appear in the sky. It looks like it might rain.)
• My best friend got married in September. She has been married for three months. (Her wedding was in September. She is married now. Notice that we only use get to talk about the time of the wedding. We use be to talk about marriage in general.)

Examples of Adjectives Often Used With "Get"

• Confused
• Angry
• Hungry
• Angry
• Nervous
• Worried
• Better
• Worse
• Quiet
• Noisy
• Serious
• Drunk
• Rich
• Lost
• Dark
• Sunny
• Cloudy

Discussion Questions:

1- What time do you usually get hungry?
2- What time do you usually get tired?
3- What are some things that cause you to get angry?
4- When was the last time you got bored?
5- Describe the last time you got lost? How did you find your way?
6- How do you feel when the weather gets very hot? How about when it gets very cold?
7- Do you get cold easily? What do you do when you get cold?
8- Do you worry about getting old? Why or why not?
9- Is it easy for you to get comfortable when you stay at a hotel? Why or why not?
10- Do you want to get rich? If so, how do you plan to get rich?
11- Do you think that everyone should get married? Why or why not?
12- Do many people in your country get divorced? Why do you think that is?
13- Do you think your English is getting better? Why do you think so?
14- Can you think of a time when you got jealous of someone?

Join the Conversation:

Can you think of any other adjectives to use with "get"? Please post your ideas in the Comments section below. Also, you may respond to any of the discussion questions in the Comments.

For Teachers:

1- Show students the comic above, and explain that when the word "get" is followed by an adjective, it means "become."

2- In groups, have students brainstorm a list of adjectives that can be used with the word '"get."

3- In groups, have students respond to some or all of the discussion questions. You may ask them to come up with some new ones on their own.