Buying for a Friend

In summer, 2005, I wanted to get something special for a new friend. I wanted to get her things she might get for herself. I went to some little shops and got her some things for her collections. I got her something she could use to make her house smell good. I also got her some wooden swan figures because she liked birds. I did not know that she had also gotten me a swan.

One More in the List

Get is a very common verb in English. I have already written about using “get” as a main verb. There is a long list of meanings for this usage.

“Get” = “buy”

One of these meanings for “get’ is “buy.” We can use it when we talk about buying something for ourselves or for buying something for someone.

I wanted to get her things she might get for herself. I wanted to buy her things she might by for herself.

When you talk about buying something, you can replace the word “by” with the word get.

In summer, 2005, I wanted to buy something special for a new friend. = In summer, 2005, I wanted to get something special for a new friend.

Special Note

But it is important to remember that replacing “buy” with “get” is informal. So if you are writing a business letter or email, use the word “buy.” If you are giving a formal speech, use “buy.” If you are talking with a friend or writing a letter to a friend, you can use the word “get.”

Your Turn

Exactly. It is time for a little practice. Who do you enjoy getting gifts for? Write in the comments and tell me. Don’t forget to replace “buy” with “get.”