'It is to get students thinking...'

[Nessie]

Hi,
Please have a look at this:

[Molly]

Either of these is fine.

get students to think
get students thinking

The latter form gives a feeling of extended action.

[Nessie]

It's still not very clear for me, Molly. From what I was taught about request form, we just have two usages for 'get':

- get sb to do sth
- get sth done by sb

I've never heard of 'get sb doing sth'...
Please be more specific.

Many thanks,
Nessie.
_________________
... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know..

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...

[Molly]

It another form. Simply that.

[Nessie]

Thanks a lot for your help, Molly. But I still can't understand your point.
Could any body please give me a specific explanation?

Many thanks,
Nessie.
_________________
... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know..

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...

[Lost_Soul]

Hi,

You might find this interesting:
http://www.englishforums.com/English/GetSbToDoDoingSth/zwqln/post.htm

Also, here was discussed a nearly identical question:
http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic24646.html#83204
_________________
Alex

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

(a guy from Russia)

[Yankee]

Hi Nessie

Basically:

"Get somebody to do something" means "cause/convince somebody to do something"

"Get somebody doing something" means "cause/convince somebody to be doing something" or "cause/convince somebody to start doing something"
.
_________________
Amy
.
ESL teacher, and native speaker of American English