A Dinner Accident

My grandparents were visiting from another state. I had just learned to cook. So my parents gave me a chance to get dinner. I had gotten dinner before, but this time, I was very nervous. I wanted to get dinner with no help and no problems. But while I was getting it, I melted a plastic measuring cup. Do you think my parents ever let me get dinner again?

Another “get” Meaning

Yes, this little story is true. I melted a measuring cup while I was getting/preparing dinner. And I thought it was a good story for introducing another meaning of the little verb “get.” Again, I will be writing about a meaning of “get” when it is used as a main verb.

“Get” = “Prepare”

You have guessed it. One meaning of “get” is “prepare.” We use this to talk specifically about preparing food or drinks.

So my parents gave me a chance to get dinner. = So my parents gave me a chance to prepare dinner.

I had gotten dinner before, but this time, I was very nervous. = I had prepared dinner before, but this time, I was very nervous.

Special Notes

This meaning of “get” is less common now-a-days. English speakers used to say it more often. But some people still use it, so learning this meaning is a good idea. You will find this meaning most often in books. Also, this is one case where “get” can be used in formal contexts. So you can write in an email that you have to “get dinner” for your children.

Your Turn

It is practice time again. Who gets dinner in your family? Is it common for men or women to get the meals in your culture? Leave a comment to answer.