get a move on

USAGE SUMMARY

"get a move on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, although it is more typically used in informal contexts.
It is an idiomatic expression that means to hurry up. For example: "I have to leave in 10 minutes, so get a move on and finish packing your bag!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Here is one answer: Wake up and get a move on!

HuffPost

Jump! You, pal, get a move on!

The New York Times

I speak in her voice: "Get a move on!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Undoubtedly you think Mickey should get a move on!

Forbes

Shake a leg! Get a move on!

Huffington Post

Accept the facts and get a move on! .

WikiHow

Even though one wishes that McDonald's would get a move on, this is big.

The New York Times

He should get a move on.

The Economist

Get a move on, chaps.

The Guardian - Business

"Get a move on," he says.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"They need to get a move-on with the redevelopment.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get a move on" when you want to informally urge someone to hurry. It's suitable for casual conversations or when giving instructions to friends or family.

Common error

Avoid using "get a move on" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for phrases like "please expedite" or "we need to accelerate the process" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get a move on" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to hurry or expedite their actions. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it serves this purpose, reinforcing its role as a directive for promptness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get a move on" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to urge someone to hurry. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples, primarily from news and media sources. While its register is generally informal, it's widely understood and accepted. For more formal contexts, alternatives such as "please expedite" may be more appropriate. Its primary function is to encourage immediate action and promptness, making it a useful phrase in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hurry up

This is a direct and common synonym, emphasizing the need for speed.

step on it

This phrase suggests increasing one's pace or speed, similar to urging someone to accelerate while driving.

shake a leg

An older, slightly more playful idiom for hurrying.

look alive

This suggests not only speeding up but also becoming more alert and active.

chop chop

A quick, informal way to tell someone to hurry.

get cracking

This means to start doing something quickly and energetically.

make haste

A more formal way of saying hurry up.

speed it up

A direct request to increase speed.

buckle down

This implies focusing intently and working quickly to complete a task.

expedite matters

This phrase suggests accelerating the progress of something in a more formal context.

FAQs

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

You can use "get a move on" to urge someone to hurry, such as in the sentence, "We're late, so "get a move on"!"

What's a more formal alternative to "get a move on"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "please expedite" or "accelerate the process" instead of ""get a move on"".

Is "get a move on" appropriate for professional communication?

While ""get a move on"" is fine in casual settings, it's best to avoid it in professional contexts where a more formal tone is expected.

What does "get a move on" mean?

"Get a move on" is an idiomatic expression that means to hurry up or to proceed more quickly.