Question about the difference between get something out and take something out

Question

Hi teachers.Sometimes I am not sure which is a better choice.'Someone GOT her to hospital. I don't know how it is different from 'take her.'I think it's right to say 'The doctor 'TOOK out the tumor.'Is it ok to use 'get?'I want to GET the stain out. Is it ok to use 'TAKE?'I am having difficulty saying what's on my mind. I can't GET it out. (Not TAKE...)Thanks in advance.

Doctor D · Accepted Answer

Note: American English has "the hospital," while British English prefers "hospital." I'm American, so I will use my forms.

1) Someone got her to the hospital. (There is a suggestion here of urgency or obstacles to overcome. "Someone got her to the hospital just in time to save her life!"

Someone took her to the hospital. (They provided transportation but there was no emergency.) "Someone took her to the hospital to see her mother."

2) Yes, The doctor took out the tumor. (Removed it).

3) I think you can use either "take out" or "get out" the stain.

4) I might use "get out" for "I have a thought but it is unclear." However, you need better language because both "take out" and "get out" can be used to mean removing in the sense of destroying. "Take those thoughts out of your head" AND "Get those thoughts out of your head" BOTH mean "Never think that again."

SO, for unexpressed ideas: "I'm getting an idea but it's not clear yet. OR, I'm having trouble finding the right words. OR, I know what I want to say, but I can't get it out (in this case, you have the words but lack the courage.)

I hope this helps.

CalifJim · Answer

pen slide 883Sometimes I am not sure which is a better choice.

'take' is neutral. It is silent on the details of the taking (out), so we assume there is nothing unusual or problematic about the action of taking (out).

'get' suggests overcoming resistance, exerting more effort than just taking. It may involve verbal effort (e.g., coaxing) or physical effort (e.g., pushing).

Someone took her to hospital. (probably drove her there)
Someone got her to hospital. (had to put her in a taxi to get her there?)

The doctor took the tumor out. (typical operation)
The doctor got the tumor out. (maybe did something unusual?)

~~I want to take the stain out.~~
I want to get the stain out. (usually requires scrubbing or other special treatment?)

What will take the stain out? (What removes the stain?)
What will get the stain out? (I've already tried everything.)

I am having difficulty saying what's on my mind. I ~~can't take it out~~.
I am having difficulty saying what's on my mind. I can't get it out.

CJ

Question about the difference between get something out and take something out

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions