can get underway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can get underway" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something can begin or commence, often in the context of projects, events, or activities. Example: "Once we finalize the budget, the project can get underway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

1815: We're all standing for the top guests... Which must mean we can get underway shortly!

BBC

Muthoni Wanyeki, Amnesty International's regional director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes, called for the grave sites to be secured until investigations can get underway.

Vice

"The agency should immediately release the hemp seeds so Kentucky pilot projects can get underway, which will ultimately lead to more economic opportunities in our state," McConnell said Thursday.

Los Angeles Times

Pre-Main Event Concert with MGK and Flo-Rida Before the final fight can get underway, we get pre-show videos that we've seen since the Royal Rumble back in January.

Huffington Post

The next step in making the Obama Presidential Library a reality is for the foundation and the Obama family to decide which bids advance, which should take a couple of months, and then indications are that a finalist will be picked early in 2015, so that money-raising plans and such can get underway.

Huffington Post

With representatives of both the Syrian government and the Syrian opposition expected to be in the same city, if not the same room, in June, the long-promised "Syrian-led political transition to a democratic, pluralistic political system" the United Nations has repeatedly affirmed can get underway.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Every sailor knows that if you are out at sea and your mast breaks, you have a couple of choices: you can bemoan your fate, blame the mast-maker, or do what you can to get underway again.

Huffington Post

"Great frustration for everybody but hopefully this game can finally get underway on Saturday".

BBC

But it is delusional to believe that economic recovery can really get underway until we have added something close to 10 million jobs.

Huffington Post

Presumably, once that finishes, "A Star Is Born" can get back underway.

Huffington Post

Highway officials along with the National Guard and State Police worked to clear the stuck trucks and cars from the highway, therefore plowing and ice removal can get fully underway.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can get underway" when you want to express that something is ready and permitted to begin, particularly when referring to projects, events, or processes.

Common error

While "can get underway" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be preferred. Consider using "can commence" or "can initiate" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can get underway" functions as a modal expression indicating that something is permitted or able to begin. This use aligns with Ludwig AI, which confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Examples show it being used in contexts where conditions need to be met before something starts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can get underway" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is permitted or ready to begin. As noted by Ludwig, it's correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "can commence" in academic or highly professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the conditions or permissions required for the event or activity to start. Its frequency and broad applicability make it a useful addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can begin

Emphasizes the initial action of starting.

can start

A more casual way to indicate commencement.

can commence

Focuses on a more formal start.

can proceed

Highlights the continuation or advancement of something.

can initiate

Suggests a formal or deliberate beginning.

can be initiated

Passive voice, emphasizing that something can have its beginning.

can be started

Uses passive form to show the start of an activity or event is permissible.

can kick off

A more informal way to suggest something can begin, often used for events.

is able to commence

Highlights ability and readiness to start something.

is permitted to begin

Highlights permission and readiness to start something.

FAQs

How can I use "can get underway" in a sentence?

You can use "can get underway" to indicate that something is ready and allowed to begin. For example, "Once the funding is secured, the project "can get underway"".

What are some alternatives to "can get underway"?

Alternatives include "can begin", "can commence", or "can start", depending on the level of formality required.

Is "can get underway" formal or informal?

"Can get underway" is generally considered neutral in tone. While suitable for news and general communication, more formal options like "can commence" might be preferred in academic or highly professional settings.

What's the difference between "can get underway" and "will get underway"?

"Can get underway" implies permission or possibility, while "will get underway" indicates a future certainty. "The project "can get underway" once approved" suggests it's conditional. "The project will get underway next week" indicates a definite start date.