get a cab

USAGE SUMMARY

"get a cab" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common phrase used to request or suggest using a taxi for transportation. Example: "I'm running late for my meeting, can you please get a cab for me?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Finally I get a cab.

The New York Times

Get a cab.

The Guardian - Sport

We can't get a cab.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm going to get a cab".

The New Yorker

"We'll never get a cab around here".

The New Yorker

I can't get a cab, heading uptown or downtown.

The New Yorker

They weren't killing each other to get a cab.

The New York Times

I wondered how I would get a cab.

The New York Times

"I was going to get a cab there.

The New Yorker

"I think I'll get a cab from here," he said.

The New York Times

The young man tried, without success, to get a cab.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get a cab", consider the context. If you mean ordering a taxi in advance, "book a cab" might be more appropriate. If you mean hailing one on the street, "hail a cab" could be better.

Common error

Avoid using "get a cab" when referring to ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Instead, use phrases like "get a ride" or "request a ride" to accurately reflect the service.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get a cab" functions as a verb phrase with a noun, serving as an imperative or declarative statement about obtaining taxi service. Ludwig examples illustrate various contexts where the phrase is used to express the action of securing transportation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get a cab" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe obtaining taxi transportation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, it's best to consider the specific context and consider alternatives like "hail a taxi" or "order a cab" depending on the situation. Avoid using it for ride-sharing services, and remember that "cab" and "taxi" are interchangeable. The frequency of use is high, especially in news and media, making it a reliable and widely understood phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a taxi

Focuses on the action of using a taxi as a mode of transport.

hail a taxi

Focuses on the action of signaling for a taxi, emphasizing the act of stopping one on the street.

catch a cab

Implies a sense of urgency or opportunity in finding a taxi.

grab a cab

Similar to 'catch a cab', suggesting quick action to obtain a taxi.

call a taxi

Emphasizes the act of phoning for a taxi service.

order a cab

Highlights the act of requesting a taxi through a formal dispatch or app.

find a taxi

Emphasizes the act of locating an available taxi.

summon a taxi

Implies a formal or technological method of calling a taxi.

secure a cab

Highlights the effort or difficulty in obtaining a taxi, especially in competitive situations.

get a ride

A more general term encompassing various forms of transportation, not exclusive to taxis.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "get a cab"?

You can use alternatives like "hail a taxi", "call a taxi", or "take a taxi" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "got a cab"?

Yes, "got a cab" is grammatically correct and commonly used as the past tense of "get a cab", indicating that you successfully obtained a taxi. For example: "I finally got a cab after waiting for 30 minutes".

What is the difference between "get a cab" and "get a taxi"?

The phrases "get a cab" and "get a taxi" are interchangeable and have the same meaning. "Cab" is simply a shortened, more informal version of "taxi".

How do you "get a cab" in a foreign country where you don't speak the language?

In a foreign country, you can "get a cab" by showing the driver your destination written down, using a translation app, or asking someone who speaks the local language for assistance.