Grammar Point 2 – Adjectives with “to get” instead of “to be”

To discuss a feeling in a situation, use “to get.”

Example: I get bored listening to him because he is always complaining. (When you hear him complaining, then you feel bored.)

To discuss a general feeling or condition, use “to be.”

Examples:

I am bored with school. (You generally feel bored with it, not from a specific event.)

 

Sample dialogues:

A: Hey what happened to you –why did you fall asleep in class?

B: I got sleepy! I didn't sleep last night so I am sleepy today.

A: Every time I go to that store I smell the chicken cooking, and I             hungry. ( to get)

B: Oh that is not good for your diet.

A: I know that is why I don’t shop there anymore!

 

I only ate toast this morning, now I                hungry. (to be)

 

A: How did you do in the song contest?

B: Horrible, I              nervous and forgot all the words to the song. (to get)

A: Sorry to hear that –but don’t worry there is always next time.

I am nervous because I                      singing next. (to be)

A: What took you so long to get here?

B: Sorry, I took the wrong bus and then I                  confused and lost! (to get)

 

Practice:

When using the phrase “to get” the adjective is usually negative.

Examples: bored/nervous/confused/sleepy

What makes you feel: bored/ confused/ nervous/ excited/ sleepy/ tired/ hungry/ thirsty/ angry? Complete these sentences, and write five more.

I get bored                                          

He gets nervous                                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These documents are revised and adapted for students use by Genevieve BALDERSTON

Taken from TERMINALES CURRICULUM TEACHER'S GUIDE.