Get to know vs. get to knowing

[Haihao]

Hi,

I am not yet very clear about 'get to know' or 'get to knowing' such as:

1. I got to know the Johnsons' children.
2. I got to knowing Johnson's theory.

Both of the sentences sounded alright to me but they are grammatically different in structure, etc. Could you please help me spell out the difference and other necessary factors?

Many thanks in advance.

Haihao

[lost_soul]

An interesting question, Haihao !
I looked up a dict and couldnt figure out any differences between them...

I hope that some of the english-speakers on this forum gets to answer your question ...

_________________
Alex

How much upchuck would a woodchuck upchuck if a woodchuck could upchuck ?

(a guy from Russia)

[Yankee]

Hi Haihao (and LS )

It is my opinion that you will rarely hear anyone use "got to knowing" unless it is part of a larger construction such as this, for example:

Winning that vacation was as close as he ever got to knowing what being rich feels like.
In other words:
- got close to something
- 'something' = knowing what being rich feels like

Amy

[Haihao]

Thank you, LS, and sorry, Amy, for the dull question. But now I have got the spirit from your comment for the usage of 'get to'. Thank you both again.

Haihao