What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
understand
Example
I understand the instructions clearly. [understand: verb]
Example
She has a good understanding of the subject matter. [understanding: noun]
get
Example
I don't get what you're saying. [get: verb]
Example
Can I get a glass of water, please? [get: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Get is more commonly used than understand in everyday language. Get is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while understand is more formal and may not be appropriate in certain situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between understand and get?
Understand is more formal than get. It is commonly used in academic or professional settings, while get is more casual and can be used in informal conversations.
