get a present

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "get a present" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to suggest or encourage someone to give or receive a present. For example, "Let's get a present for your sister's birthday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Occasionally, I get a present, or Oscar de la Renta lets me pick out something".

The New York Times - Style

"How do you feel?" "Am I still going to get a present?" the girl answered in a kind of non sequitur.

The New York Times

And at every birthday party, Mr. Serrano believes, everyone should get a present as a memento, like a handmade decorative bird from Anthropologie or even something you make yourself.

The New York Times

In a YouTube video, the two men who claimed responsibility for the attacks added: "If you will hold the Olympics you will get a present from us for all the Muslim blood that has been spilled".

The Guardian - Sport

Most likely, she'll dump him after New Year's Eve, but he still has to get a present for her because, hey, it's Christmas and she's probably getting one for him and he is still hoping she won't walk.

The New York Times

"Julian, I told you that first we have to get a present for Dad!" she pleaded as Julian relentlessly sought to check out the picture books for small children.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

We never, ever got a present.

The New York Times

He gets a present of cherry jam.

The Guardian - Film

"I've got a present for you," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I felt like a kid getting a present," Ternovskiy told me.

The New Yorker

Prescott later contacted Newman on Twitter, telling her: "Got a present for you" – a picture of a "private detective" badge.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get a present", consider the context and audience. It's suitable for informal situations but may be replaced with a more formal term like "receive a gift" in professional or academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "get a present" in formal writing. Opt for phrases such as "receive a gift" or "be presented with a gift" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get a present" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of receiving a gift. Ludwig AI indicates that the expression is considered correct and can be used in written English to suggest someone give or receive a present. Example sentences illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get a present" is a common verbal phrase used to describe the act of receiving a gift. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for general use, particularly in informal settings. While widely understood, it might be more appropriate to use more formal alternatives like "receive a gift" in professional or academic contexts. Common sources, such as news outlets and online wikis, demonstrate that the phrase is a familiar and accepted part of everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive a gift

Focuses on the act of receiving, emphasizing the recipient's perspective.

obtain a present

Highlights the action of acquiring a present, suggesting effort or intention.

be given a present

Emphasizes the act of someone giving the present.

acquire a gift

Similar to 'obtain', but can also imply a more formal or deliberate acquisition.

come into possession of a gift

A more formal and less common way to say "get a present".

find a present

Emphasizes the element of discovery, implying the present was found unexpectedly.

be the recipient of a present

A formal phrase that focuses on the role of the receiver.

secure a gift

Implies effort and planning in obtaining the gift.

collect a gift

Suggests gathering or accumulating gifts, possibly from multiple sources.

earn a gift

Implies the present was received as a reward for something.

FAQs

What's a simple way to define "get a present"?

To "get a present" simply means to receive something as a gift. It's a common way to describe the act of being given something on a special occasion or as a token of affection.

What are some alternatives to "get a present" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "receive a gift", "obtain a present", or "be given a present".

Is it correct to say "got a present" instead of "get a present"?

"Got a present" is the past tense form, indicating that you already received the gift. "Get a present" implies a future or habitual action of receiving a gift.

How does the formality of "get a present" compare to other phrases meaning the same thing?

"Get a present" is generally considered informal. For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "receive a gift" or "be the recipient of a present".