Getting things started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Getting things started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initiation of a process, project, or activity. Example: "Before we dive into the main agenda, let's focus on getting things started with a brief introduction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"Maybe a couple of years ago, I'd get anxious about getting things started.

The Guardian

Teixeira may have been the hero, but he credited Posada's double with getting things started, saying: "That's huge.

The New York Times

Pedro Pinto, Uefa's head of media, is our MC, and is getting things started in time-honoured fashion: with a moody slow-motion video package!

The Guardian - Sport

It begins at 8 p.m., rain or shine, with D.J. music sets getting things started at 6 30 p.m.; parkgoers should provide their own seating, and picnics are welcome.

The New York Times - Arts

"We've only had eight weeks to get ready, so at the moment we're concentrating on getting things started," he says, "but there are several ways we hope to link up with the nearby school.

Independent

Often, the hardest step for mentees is getting things started.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

That might get things started.

The New York Times - Magazine

Dallas got things started right.

The New York Times - Sports

"This at least will get things started".

The Guardian

That might work — at least to get things started.

The New York Times

Jena Friedman will get things started, and Chris Lamberth will host.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting things started" when you want to convey a sense of progress and initiation. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, providing a versatile option for indicating the beginning of a process or activity.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "getting things started" in highly formal or academic writing. More precise alternatives like "initiating the process" or "commencing operations" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting things started" functions as an introductory phrase or an idiomatic expression used to denote the beginning or initiation of an activity, event, or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable and correct in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting things started" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to indicate the commencement of an activity or process. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and widely used in English. It finds frequent use in news and media, business, and general contexts. While the phrase is generally acceptable across different registers, it may be beneficial to use more formal alternatives in strictly academic or scientific writing. Remember to employ "getting things started" to signal the initiation of something new, setting the stage for what follows.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Getting underway

Similar to getting started, but might imply a longer process.

Beginning the process

Focuses on the act of initiating a procedure or task.

Initiating action

Emphasizes taking the first steps to start something.

Kicking off

An informal way to describe starting an event or project.

Commencing operations

Implies a formal start, often in a business or operational context.

Setting in motion

Highlights the act of initiating a series of events or actions.

Launching the endeavor

Describes formally introducing or starting a project.

Embarking on

Implies starting a journey or new undertaking.

Activating

Focuses on enabling or setting something into action.

Jumpstarting

Suggests giving something an initial boost to begin.

FAQs

How can I use "getting things started" in a sentence?

You can use "getting things started" to describe the beginning of a process, for example, "The DJ is "getting things started" with some upbeat music".

What are some alternatives to "getting things started"?

Some alternatives include "kicking off", "initiating action", or "beginning the process", depending on the context.

Is "getting things started" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, it might be better to use more formal alternatives such as "commencing operations" or "initiating the process" in strictly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "getting things started" and "getting underway"?

"Getting things started" emphasizes the initial action, while "getting underway" suggests a process that is already in progress but not yet fully advanced.