get a jump on

USAGE SUMMARY

"get a jump on" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It means to start or begin something earlier than others in order to gain an advantage. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as work, sports, or planning. Example: "I want to get a jump on my homework this weekend so I can enjoy my free time later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You can get a jump on the storylines here.

The New York Times

To get a jump on the trend, you have a few options.

The New York Times

Stop by Mike Lupica's column in The Daily News to get a jump on this.

The New York Times - Sports

To get a jump on the season, look for everyday pieces and build on them.

The New York Times

"We're doing this to get a jump on the market," he said.

The New York Times

He uses Sunday nights to get a jump on the week ahead.

The New York Times

Neither country could get a jump on the other if their essential industries were inseparably interlinked.

The New Yorker

That way I was able to get a jump on the skiing.

The New York Times - Travel

If we start right away, we could even get a jump on it.

The New York Times - Sports

I thought you might want to get a jump on my present for next year.

The New Yorker

Get a jump on the blockbuster Matisse-Picasso exhibition going to New York in February.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get a jump on" to emphasize the benefit of starting something early, especially when seeking a competitive edge or proactive preparation. For example, "To "get a jump on" the competition, the company started its marketing campaign early."

Common error

Avoid using "get a jump on" when simply starting something; the phrase implies an advantage or head start. For example, don't say "I'll "get a jump on" eating dinner" if you're just eating at the usual time.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "get a jump on" is as an idiomatic verb phrase. It signifies the act of starting something early in order to gain an advantage or head start, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get a jump on" is a very common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression that means to start something early to gain an advantage. It's used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, and has a neutral register. Alternatives include "start ahead" or "begin early". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and widely understood, making it a useful addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start ahead

Focuses on the act of beginning before others, without necessarily implying a significant advantage.

gain an early lead

Highlights the competitive aspect of starting early and achieving a preliminary advantage.

begin early

Emphasizes the timing of the start, highlighting that it is sooner than usual.

steal a march on

A more idiomatic alternative suggesting a subtle or strategic advantage gained by acting early.

secure an advantage

Concentrates on obtaining a beneficial position before others.

get the ball rolling

Focuses on initiating an activity or project promptly.

start the ball rolling

Like "get the ball rolling", it emphasizes initiating an activity or project.

move forward quickly

Emphasizes rapid progress from an early starting point.

make headway

Highlights the initial progress achieved by starting in advance.

be proactive

Focuses on taking initiative before a situation demands it.

FAQs

How can I use "get a jump on" in a sentence?

You can use "get a jump on" to indicate starting something early to gain an advantage. For example, "I want to "get a jump on" my holiday shopping this year".

What's a similar phrase to "get a jump on"?

Alternatives include "start ahead", "begin early", or "gain an early lead", depending on the context.

Is it formal to use the phrase "get a jump on"?

The phrase "get a jump on" is generally considered informal to neutral. It's acceptable in many contexts but may not be suitable for highly formal or academic writing.

What does it mean to "get a jump on" something?

To "get a jump on" something means to start it before others or earlier than expected, usually to gain an advantage or be better prepared.