get an update on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get an update on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to find out about something that has changed recently or been updated. For example: "I need to get an update on the company's financial situation before I make a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

As the interviews wound down, I reflected on earlier ones and contacted previous search-committee chairs, either to get an update on my status or to withdraw my candidacy.

Science Magazine

I was curious to get an update on the understanding of the disease.

The New York Times

It was not possible to get an update on his condition last night.

The New York Times

The television in a New York City taxicab is a good place to get an update on the weather or learn about a new tourist attraction.

The New York Times

Next, we get an update on the injured Bad News Barrett, who has now vacated the Intercontinental title after suffering a separated shoulder on last week's Raw.

Independent

Anxious Venezuelans worried about Mr. Chávez's long absence might have wondered if they were about to get an update on the president's health.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

* If you're interested in finding out more about development of the site for the New Oasis Academy at MediaCityUK, SalfordOnline has details of a public meting being held tomorrow evening to get a update on progress and ask any questions.

The Guardian

Mr. Gioni got an update on his cellphone.

The New York Times

At 12 52 a.m., Mr. Boardman's followers got an update on the evening.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — Every day, Michael G. Vickers gets an update on how many in Al Qaeda's senior leadership the United States has removed from the battlefield, and lately there has been much to report.

The New York Times

Dimon got an update on efforts by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to force the banks to buy back billions in faulty mortgages; the two agencies, which buy the bulk of mortgages in this country, say the banks offloaded loans that were not up to the agencies' standards.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get an update on", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific information or progress is being sought. For instance, instead of saying "get an update", specify "get an update on the project status".

Common error

Avoid using "get an update on" without a clearly defined subject. Saying "I need to get an update" is vague. Instead, specify what you need an update on, such as "I need to get an update on the marketing campaign" to provide context and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get an update on" functions as a request for information. It is used to inquire about the current status, progress, or recent developments regarding a particular topic or situation. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from project management to health updates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

19%

Science & Research

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Huffington Post

3%

The New York Times

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get an update on" is a versatile phrase used to request the latest information or progress regarding a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While its formality is generally neutral, it's important to clearly define the subject to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "receive information about" or "check the progress of" for nuanced communication. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "get an update on" to stay informed and ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive information about

Emphasizes the reception of information rather than the act of seeking an update.

find out the current status of

Focuses on determining the present condition or state of something.

obtain the latest news on

Highlights the acquisition of the newest information.

learn about recent developments in

Stresses the learning aspect related to recent changes.

stay informed about

Suggests a continuous process of remaining up-to-date.

check the progress of

Specifically refers to monitoring advancements or steps forward.

review the latest data on

Implies a systematic examination of the most recent data.

ascertain the facts regarding

Highlights the process of establishing truth or certainty about something.

gather the newest intelligence on

Emphasizes the collection of current and relevant intelligence or information.

be apprised of

A more formal way of saying 'be informed'.

FAQs

How can I use "get an update on" in a sentence?

You can use "get an update on" to inquire about the current status or progress of something. For example, "I need to "get an update on" the project's timeline", or "Can I "get an update on" your health condition?"

What are some alternatives to "get an update on"?

Alternatives include "receive information about", "find out the current status of", or "check the progress of" depending on the context.

Is "get an update on" formal or informal?

"Get an update on" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both professional and informal settings. However, in very formal contexts, alternatives such as "be apprised of" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "get an update on" and "stay informed about"?

"Get an update on" implies a specific request for information at a particular time, while "stay informed about" suggests a continuous process of receiving information over time. For example, "I need to "get an update on" the meeting" versus "I want to "stay informed about" the company's performance".