Is it always bad to use "get" or "got"?

Question

ack in grammar, one of the many rules we were given was to always avoid get," "got," or "gotten" due to their ambiguity and tendency toward poor grammar as in: "What happened to your arm? It got broke." rather than 'What happened to you arm? It was broken." and "I got a ticket." rather than "I have a ticket." or "I purchased a ticket." Is there still a respectable place for this abundantly overused verb (such as the passive mood, which, while generally to be avoided, can be used to convey an otherwise unobtainable feel in phrase)? Or is it ever condemned to literal taboo?

Answer 1

There's nothing wrong with "get" or "got" in certain contexts and genres of writing. For instance, if you are quoting someone, whatever that person said, even if it's improper grammar, is correct. In formal writing, however, it should probably be ill advised to use. However, do you recall the milk slogan, "Got milk?" When you're served a summons and complaint for a lawsuit, "You got served," and it is often used in idioms, e.g. "get a grip" or "get a clue, etc."