Grammar: use of preposition "vb GET"
How would you answer this question?
Where did Marco Polo get his recipes for water ices?
A. He got them from China.
B. He got them in China.

I know that the construction with get is "to get something from someone", but is it used also when talking about places or objects? Thanks for you answers.

Question

Grammar: use of preposition "vb GET"
How would you answer this question?
Where did Marco Polo get his recipes for water ices? 
A. He got them from China.
B. He got them in China.

I know that the construction with get is "to get something from someone", but is it used also when talking about places or objects? Thanks for you answers.

Answer

"I got them IN China" would mean that you were in China and bought them there.
"I got them FROM China" doesn't mean that you were necessarily in China - maybe you bought them online, maybe you had a friend bring them for you, etc.  The more clear way to say this, however, is "They are from China". (Which is likely the reason why it sounded strange to Stephen's ear)

Answer

I would be more inclined to say that he got them IN China. To me, that implies that he got them FROM somebody (or from several people) while he was IN China.
That said, you would be understood should you use the other construction. To my ear and way of thinking, however, I think that getting the recipes IN China is more accurate.
-Stephen

Answers · 4

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!