VOA慢速英语2020--Take and Get

This week, we received the same question from a fan in Italy and another in Brazil. But, we are sure the question is shared by even more English learners-so let's answer it!

Question:

Could I know the different meanings of "take" and "get?"

Thanks –Bruna, Italy.

Hello. Good Evening...

I would like to know the difference between the words "get" and "take?" And how can I use them in a sentence? -Arthur, Brazil.

Answer:

Dear Bruna and Arthur,

Thanks for writing to us. The main difference between these two words concerns ‘who' is performing the action.

Overall difference

"Get" and "take" are verbs.

"Get" means to gain possession of something. Another word for get is obtain. The word "receive" can also sometimes substitute for "get."

Ellen got the new bike on her birthday.

"Take" means "to move or carry something from one place to another."

Ellen takes her new bike everywhere she needs to go.

"Take" often suggests to gain possession of something by force, illegally or unfairly. Then it is similar to verbs like "seize" and "capture."

The military took control of the country after the soldiers rebelled.

Take

Take is also often used more idiomatically², as well, in providing directions to a place. For example:

Jack's store is on Robbins Road. Take 4th Street for a mile and you will see it.

In that case, take means "use" or "follow."

Confusingly, "take" can also be used similar to the verb "give," like in this sentence:

Michael takes care of Jennifer's dog.

In that case, the speaker means Michael is the person responsible for meeting the dog's needs. He is the caregiver to the dog.

Finally, "take" is often used in connection with expressions of time. For example:

Ellie takes 30 minutes to get ready for work.

That sentence has the exact same meaning as "Ellie spends 30 minutes to get ready for work."

Get

"Get" also is common to idiomatic¹ expressions. It often substitutes for the verbs "understand" and "know." Listen to this sentence:

I get that we have to learn math but I do not like it.

Sometimes that usage³ clearly suggests a speaker's impatience⁴ or frustration⁵.

"I get it, Mom! I have to clean my room today."

Finally, "get" is a common substitute for verbs "feel," "become," or "start," among others. Here are some examples:

I'm going to leave for lunch when I get hungry.

She gets sad on rainy days.

He left the show when the music got loud.

There are many more idiomatic uses of "get" and "take." Look for them whenever you get to practice your English! We are sure to take up the subject again.

And that's Ask a Teacher for this week.

What question do you have about American English? Send us an email at [email protected]

Words in This Story

literal⁶ – adj. giving the meaning of each individual word

idiomatic – adj. an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words but that has a separate meaning of its own

1 idiomatic   

adj.成语的，符合语言习惯的

参考例句：

• In our reading we should always be alert for idiomatic expressions.我们在阅读过程中应经常注意惯用法。
• In his lecture,he bore down on the importance of idiomatic usage in a language.他在演讲中着重强调了语言中习惯用法的重要性。

2 idiomatically   

adv.符合语言习惯地；使用惯用语句，惯用地

参考例句：

• The ubiquitous mouse input device is not metaphoric of anything, but rather is learned idiomatically. 无所不在的鼠标输入设备没有任何隐喻；相反，是习惯用法的学习。 来自About Face 3交互设计精髓
• Idiomatically speaking, something can be both cool and hot and be equally desirable. 东西不管是凉的，还是热的，只要是令人满意的，我们都可以说“酷”。 来自About Face 3交互设计精髓

3 usage   

n.惯用法，使用，用法

参考例句：

• I am clear about the usage of this word at last.这个词的用法我算是弄明白了。
• The usage is now firmly established.这种用法现已得到确认。

4 impatience   

n.不耐烦，急躁

参考例句：

• He expressed impatience at the slow rate of progress.进展缓慢，他显得不耐烦。
• He gave a stamp of impatience.他不耐烦地跺脚。

5 frustration   

n.挫折，失败，失效，落空

参考例句：

• He had to fight back tears of frustration.他不得不强忍住失意的泪水。
• He beat his hands on the steering wheel in frustration.他沮丧地用手打了几下方向盘。

6 literal   

adj.照字面的，原义的，逐字的

参考例句：

• This word should not be taken in its literal sense.这个词不能按本义去理解。
• He made a literal interpretation.他逐字解释。