The get-passive (get + past participle) is an informal alternative to the be-passive. It stresses that something happens, often suddenly or unexpectedly, and is common with good or bad events that affect the subject. It is more typical of speech than formal writing.
Form
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| get + past participle | My phone got stolen. |
| get + married / dressed / lost / ready | They got married in June. |
| be + past participle (neutral) | My phone was stolen. |
When to use it
- Unexpected or unlucky events: He got injured. My car got towed.
- Changes of state: get married, get divorced, get lost, get dressed.
- News in conversation: Did you hear? Tom got promoted!
- Not for states or formal reports: The museum was built in 1900 (not got built).
Examples
- My bike got stolen last week.
- She got promoted last month.
- The window got broken during the storm.
- They got married in 2020.
- He got fired for being late.
- Get dressed, we're late!
Common mistakes
- Get-passive for a fact: The book got written in 1950 → was written.
- Using it with intransitive verbs: It got happened → It happened.
- Questions and negatives need do: Did he get hurt? She didn't get chosen.