get cracking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get cracking" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to encourage someone to start working on a task or to hurry up and begin. Example: "We have a tight deadline for this project, so let's get cracking!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Let's get cracking here.

The New York Times

So get cracking.

The New York Times - Tech

They need to get cracking.

The New York Times

Get cracking on Boxing Day.

The Guardian

All the more reason to get cracking.

The Economist

I need to get cracking.

The Guardian - Film

Here's how to get cracking.

The Guardian

Close his eyes and get cracking.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They get cracked.

The New York Times

Mr. Kocher estimates that some 95 percent will eventually get cracked.

The New York Times

It could get cracked or lost, whereas MP3 files lasted".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get cracking" when you want to create a sense of urgency or encourage immediate action. It's suitable for informal settings and team projects where a motivational push is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "get cracking" in highly formal or professional communications, such as official reports or correspondence with senior management. Opt for more neutral phrases like "begin" or "commence" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "get cracking" is as an idiomatic verb phrase. It functions as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to begin working on a task or activity promptly. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts to convey a sense of urgency or motivation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Tech

25%

General Conversation

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "get cracking" is a commonly used expression that means to start working on something quickly and diligently. According to Ludwig, it functions as an imperative and is most frequently found in News & Media and Tech contexts, leaning towards an informal or neutral register. While it's grammatically correct, it should be used judiciously in formal settings, where more neutral alternatives like "begin" or "start" might be more appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get started

Focuses on the initiation of an action or task.

get going

Emphasizes the act of beginning or moving forward.

get to work

Highlights the commencement of labor or effort.

get down to business

Suggests a transition to a more serious and focused approach.

set about

Implies a deliberate and organized start to a task.

dive in

Conveys the idea of starting something enthusiastically and without hesitation.

get on with it

Suggests a need to proceed without delay, often when facing reluctance.

make a start

Focuses on the simple act of beginning something, often after a delay.

spring into action

Emphasizes a quick and energetic start.

get underway

Highlights the commencement of a journey or project.

FAQs

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

You can use "get cracking" to encourage someone to start working on something, such as, "We need to finish this report by tomorrow, so let's "get cracking"!"

What's a more formal alternative to "get cracking"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "begin", "commence", or "start working" instead of "get cracking".

What does "get cracking" mean?

"Get cracking" means to start working on something quickly and diligently. It's often used to motivate or encourage someone to begin a task.

Is it appropriate to use "get cracking" in professional emails?

While "get cracking" is widely understood, it might be too informal for some professional settings. Consider your audience and the overall tone of the communication before using it. If unsure, opt for a more neutral phrase like "let's begin".