To Have and to Get

Can I Have? / Can I Get?

I'd like to start by commenting on the very widespread mix up of the verbs have and get and would like to know how it came about.

You use "get" if you are asking permission to fetch something or if you are asking someone if they'd like you to obtain something for them. So "can I get some paper for the photocopier please?" if you were asking your boss for permission for a visit to the stationery room, or "can I get you anything from the supermarket?" if you were heading into town.

However, you use "have" if you are asking a person to serve you something, hence "can I have a beer please?" to the barman in a pub, or "can I have a latte please?" at Starbucks.

When I'm out and about though, I constantly hear "can I get?" in the second situation, so "can I get a coffee?", or "can I get a beer, please?" I end up thinking: are they going to jump over the bar and serve themselves? THIS USAGE IS INCORRECT

This seems to be a very common mix up these days, particularly with the under 30's, so let’s see if we can get this one right.

THE VERB TO GET

TO GET can be used in a number of patterns and has a number of meanings.

TO GET + DIRECT OBJECT = TO OBTAIN, TO RECEIVE, TO BUY

✪ I got my passport last week. (to obtain)
✪ She got her driving license last week. (to obtain)
✪ They got permission to live in Switzerland. (to obtain)
✪ I got a letter from my friend in Nigeria. (to receive)
✪ He gets $1,000 a year from his father. (to receive)
✪ She got a new coat from Zappaloni in Rome. (to buy)
✪ We got a new television for the sitting room. (to buy)


TO GET + PLACE EXPRESSION = REACH, ARRIVE AT A PLACE

✪ How are you getting home tonight?
✪ We got to London around 6 p.m.
✪ What time will we get there?
✪ When did you get back from New York?


TO GET + ADJECTIVE = BECOME, SHOW A CHANGE OF STATE

✪ I am getting old.
✪ It's getting hotter.
✪ By the time they reached the house they were getting hungry.
✪ I'm getting tired of all this nonsense.
✪ My mother's getting old and needs looking after.
✪ It gets dark very early in the winter.
✪ Don't touch the stove until is gets cool.

OTHER EXPRESSIONS WITH GET

• Do you get it means do you understand.
  Do you get what the teacher was explaining in class?
• He's getting dinner tonight means he's preparing the meal.
  You can relax. It's my turn to get dinner tonight.
• I'll get the bill means I'll pay.
  Put your wallet away! I'll get the bill.
• That really gets me! means that irritates me.
  It really gets me when my sister shows up late.
• To get rid of something means to throw it away.
  I'm going to get rid of all these old newspapers.
• To get out of bed on the wrong side means to be in a bad mood.
  He got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning and he's been horrible all day.
• To get your own back means to have your revenge or punish someone.
  She's getting her own back for all those rude things you said at the party last night.

English Gone Wong!

It would be very clear to native English speakers that this sign is instructing the viewer that there is a danger that you may drown if you are not careful. I think they must have tried to say "Be careful or you may drown". Now however, it sounds as if they have tried to put that sign for those who come to that river (or whatever) to kill themselves or try to drown their companions. Indeed, if you try to drown yourself and others by making too much fuss, you may mess up your killing attempt as it would unnecessary draw public attention. Hence, they tell you to do it carefully, i.e. doing it quietly when no one is looking.

 

 One shouldnt use the lift if it catches fire. Although if you're in the lift when it catches fire, you'd be dead in no time. If you are not in the lift when it catches fire, I dont think you would be able to use it anymore. It is kind of obvious. But after all, many people lack common sense (especially the Chinese) and it'd helpful if they have given you basic instructions to save your ass.

Thanks to 'Gaurav' for these examples of Chinese translation.

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