When talking about a broken device, would there be any difference between: “I will get it working.” and “I will get it to work.”

grammaridiomatic-languagemeaningsentence-structure

Someone is trying to use a device and realizes that it is not working. So he says:

I will try and get it working. ITV-dental crisis (see:4:00-4:12)

The structure "get it working" reminded of a similar structure with similar meaning (causative): "get it to work."

Grammatically, they both seem to have a causative meaning, however I am not sure whether it would be correct if the speaker said:

"I will try and get it to work." instead of "……get it working."?

Best Answer

A device (or motor or machine) is broken, so we say to the person with the broken device:

  • I'll get it working again. [because it is not working now]

OR

  • I'll get it to work. [because it doesn't work now]

So, either can be used. There is not any essential difference.

For example:
I have a new dishwasher and I push the on button and it does not start running, and I say to the repair person: Can you get it to work? He answers: Sure thing, I'll get it working in no time.

If a new machine, device, motor etc. has not worked when you turn it on the first time, you cannot get it to work. Here, we wouldn't usually say: get it working in our description of the problem.

However, the second one has an additional meaning.

to get something to work is not just about devices, motors, etc.

A relationship can be said to not work. For example, you've been disagreeing with someone about your relationship for a while, so you might say:

  • We should make an effort and get it [the relationship] to work again? OR
  • John doesn't think he can get his relationship with Ada to work again.
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