"Dress" as a Verb
* Transitive: This means it takes a direct object.
* Example: "She dressed her baby in a cute onesie." (The baby is the direct object being dressed.)
* Intransitive: This means it doesn't take a direct object. Here's where it gets tricky:
* Example: "She dressed quickly." (This is grammatically correct, but often implies she put on clothes, not specifically a dress.)
"Get Dressed" as a Verb
* Always intransitive: This means it cannot take a direct object.
* Example: "He got dressed for the party." (He is the subject, and "dressed" describes the action he took.)
So, which is right?
* Technically, both are correct in their own way.
* "Get dressed" is the more common and generally preferred usage because it avoids any ambiguity about the action.
The Dictionary's Perspective
Dictionaries often list both "dress" and "get dressed" as valid, but they may not explicitly differentiate their usage. This can leave you wondering!
Key Takeaway
While "dress" can be used intransitively, "get dressed" is a safer and clearer choice. It emphasizes the act of putting on clothes and is generally considered more natural in everyday language.