gets wet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets wet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something or someone becomes wet, often due to water or moisture exposure. Example: "When it rains, the ground gets wet and muddy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a result, California gets wet.

The Economist

When wood gets wet, it swells.

The Washington Post

"If it's raining, everything gets wet".

The New York Times

"Especially when that gets wet," Ramos said.

The New Yorker

Once the soil gets wet, she will stop moving.

University of California, Berkeley

Even if it gets wet, it does not get slippery.

The New York Times

Sophie (21+) screeches when one foot gets wet.

The Guardian - Travel

The air thickens; the road turns to clay and gets wet.

The New York Times

It's warm and cozy and if it gets wet, it dries in seconds.

The New York Times

Wood is a hygroscopic material, meaning it changes size when it gets wet.

The Washington Post

When the timer runs out, the balloon pops and someone gets wet.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a material's reaction to water, specify the type of liquid and the expected outcome (e.g., "The fabric gets wet and becomes heavier.")

Common error

Avoid using "gets wet" in formal or technical contexts where more precise language is preferable. Instead, use terms like "absorbs moisture" or "exhibits water permeability" to convey a higher level of accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gets wet" is to act as a verb phrase indicating a process of becoming wet or moistened. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where it describes the state change of various subjects when exposed to water.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

39%

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gets wet" is a grammatically sound and very common verb phrase used to describe the process of something becoming wet. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across contexts ranging from news and media to wikis. While generally neutral in register, it is important to choose more precise language in formal or technical writing. Related phrases include "becomes damp" and "is moistened". By understanding its function and potential alternatives, writers can effectively use "gets wet" to accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becomes damp

Replaces "gets" with "becomes" and "wet" with "damp", implying a slight degree of wetness.

becomes soaked

Replaces "gets" with "becomes" and "wet" with "soaked", emphasizing a higher degree of saturation.

is drenched

Suggests being completely covered in water.

is moistened

Uses a passive construction to indicate that something is made wet.

is saturated

Indicates a state of being thoroughly soaked with liquid.

water penetrates

Focuses on the action of water entering or permeating something.

absorbs moisture

Highlights the process of taking in moisture, leading to wetness.

starts dripping

Indicates the beginning of wetness, with water forming drops.

is sprayed

Implies that something is covered with liquid forcefully.

accumulates water

Describes the process of gathering water, leading to wetness.

FAQs

How can I use "gets wet" in a sentence?

You can use "gets wet" to describe a thing or a person that is exposed to a liquid, like in "The dog "gets wet" when it rains".

What can I say instead of "gets wet"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives such as "becomes damp", "becomes soaked", or "is moistened".

Is there a more formal way to say "gets wet"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "absorbs moisture" or "exhibits water permeability" instead of ""gets wet"".

What is the difference between "gets wet" and "is drenched"?

"Gets wet" implies a general state of becoming wet, while "is drenched" suggests being thoroughly or completely soaked with liquid. "Is drenched" indicates a greater degree of saturation.