A friend once told me that the use of the word "get" in writing is just plain bad English.
After that, I became very self-conscious about it-- and struggled to replace all the "get's" in my writing. So I no longer ‘got' an ‘A,' I received an ‘A'. (I wish.) I no longer ‘got' going. I began or went. I was not ‘getting' a soda from the fridge, I was "acquiring" a soda.
When I finished any writing, I did a special search just for the dreaded ‘get' -- they seem to find their own way into my work, no matter what I do.
After making this a normal part of my routine, it occurred to me one day that, like any living language, English changes with the times. Does this mean I can use "get" again? Perhaps. Within moderation. After all, many fine authors have been very successful without ever once using the word "get". Of course, most of them are dead now. But, still.
The point is, certain words that have come into common (especially spoken) usage, are still considered "bad" or "poor" grammar. Just as other words or phrases are called "slang" and usually reserved for speech alone. And, while marketers don't want to appear old-fashioned or stuffy, neither should they allow themselves to be considered ignorant or sloppy. Because, sad but true, "get" is still on the "poor grammar" list.
Get it?--mo
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