student asking question

Why does she say "get" not "give"? Is there any difference in nuance?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

I can understand how these two words can be confusing! When used as a verb, "get" means to receive something from someone else. "Give" means to freely supply something to another person, such as a gift or item. Grammatically, the sentence is "Will you(subject) get (verb) us (indirect object) better gifts (direct object)?" Phoebe uses "get" instead of "give" because she wants a better present from Chandler. She doesn't want to receive the crappy present that he got for her. Even though Chandler (the subject) is the one who is giving the presents, Phoebe wants to receive a present she will actually enjoy, which is why she says "get" instead of "give." Ex: Could you get me a paper towel please? Ex: He gave me some advice about applying for jobs. Ex: I need to get a new phone. Ex: She was given a new computer for her birthday.

Popular Q&As

04/18

Complete the expression with a quiz!