English is my second language, and I have a question about English idiom.
Is there any rule about when it is correct to speak of "putting on" clothes or "getting into" clothes?
I thought it should always be "putting on", but I have heard people use the expressions "get into a dress", "get into a swimsuit". Google also turns up a lot of matches for these. Indeed, there are more matches for "get into a dress" than "put on a dress".
I thought "get into" was for beds and cars and "put on" for clothes. Obviously "put on" is incorrect for beds and cars, but "get into" can be correct for clothes. But not all clothes: friends tell me you can say "get into a swimsuit" and "get into a dress" but not "get into a jacket".
I would like to know if there is any rule behind all this. Are there any suggestions? Are there different situations where one should use the different expressions?
2007-07-31 05:44:05 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Getting into certain clothes usually implies that the particular article of clothing is more form fitting, ie a tighter dress, a swimsuit.
2007-07-31 05:47:47 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Pamela ♫ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One would tend to use "get into a dress"when there was some doubt as to whether the dress (or swimsuit) might not be too small - or the potential wearer too large.
The expression "put on" a dress or clothes is a vulgarism and should be avoided if possible. One should simply dress.
Americans who, by and large, can not speak English, do not understand this and are accustomed to using five words where one will suffice.
2007-07-31 13:03:01 · answer #2 · answered by doshiealan 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most of the foregoing is correct.
Both usages are fine. "Put on" is more common.
"Get into" is probably more outdated as far as simply getting dressed.
However, "get into" often refers to the fit of the article, and is common with form-fitting women's fashions (jeans, swimsuits and dresses).
When she cant even get into that dress, she shouldn't put it on.
2007-07-31 13:00:44 · answer #3 · answered by I 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
very interesting question! but im gald to answer it! well, i say put on clothes. like, im putting on my clothes. its the same thing for anything else. im putting on my swimsuit or putting on my dress. but if you are demanding that someone put on something, you would say, get in to a swimsuit, or get in to a dress. like my mom or dad when they demand that i get in to a jacket. i hope i helped!
2007-07-31 12:50:25 · answer #4 · answered by mtjiji_021 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
generally, we use "put on". sometimes people use "get into" a dress, a jacket, etc, because maybe they have gained weight and want to see if they can "get into their clothes". i would say "put on" is more widely used, but "get into" is just another option.
2007-07-31 12:47:30 · answer #5 · answered by Lauren 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use both, ie....
When I get up I put on my clothes.
Hold on while I go get into my Sunday school clothes.
2007-07-31 13:00:15 · answer #6 · answered by smittybo20 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm thinking"get into" for clothes means they are tight and you can't just "put on" these items.
2007-07-31 12:54:20 · answer #7 · answered by trivia buff 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't know about any actual grammar rules, but you can't go wrong with always using "put on" when referring to clothes.
2007-07-31 12:47:44 · answer #8 · answered by stephieSD 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Getting dressed
Dressing to the nines ( something from the probation period I think )
2007-07-31 21:40:55 · answer #9 · answered by Binky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can say both.
most people use "put on"
but some people also say "im goin to go get into my bathing suite
2007-07-31 12:48:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋