Get vs. be

Question

I left early to make sure I wouldn't get late for school.I left early to make sure I wouldn't be late for school.1.  Which of the sentences above is correct?2.  If both are possilbe, what is the difference in meaning between "get" and "be" above?3.  Again, if both are possible, which is more natural?

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

I left early to make sure I wouldn't get late for school.

I left early to make sure I wouldn't be late for school.

1. Which of the sentences above is correct? Both are correct grammar.

2. If both are possilbe, what is the difference in meaning between "get" and "be" above?

It's hard to see a clear meaning in sentence #1. It's not an idiomatic thing to say.

3. Again, if both are possible, which is more natural? #2.

Clive

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you very much for your help. I really appreciate it.

I see "be late" is more natural. I thought up another example below. Could you please advise which is more natural and if there's any difference in meaning this time?

I left early to make sure I would have an allowance and wouldn't get stuck in the traffic.
I left early to make sure I would have an allowance and wouldn't be stuck in the traffic.

On the side, it is correct to put "an" before the word "allowance" in the examples? I wonder if "allowance" is countable or uncountable.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

I see "be late" is more natural. I thought up another example below. Could you please advise which is more natural and if there's any difference in meaning this time?

I left early to make sure I would have an allowance and wouldn't get stuck in the traffic.

I left early to make sure I would have an allowance and wouldn't be stuck in the traffic.
Both get and be are OK.

get stuck in traffic - focuses on the instaance of becoming stuck
be stuck in traffic - focuses on the state you are in , afer you get stuck

'I woud have an allowance' is not a natural thing to say here.

Say eg 'I would have time to spare / I would have time in hand'.

On the side, it is correct to put "an" before the word "allowance" in the examples? Yes, you need it. I wonder if "allowance" is countable or uncountable. Countable

Clive

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks so much, Clive, for that clarification.  They are clear to me now. <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Get vs. be

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