get him started

USAGE SUMMARY

"get him started" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you want to help someone begin an activity, or provide them with the resources needed to do so. For example: "Let's get him started by providing him with the necessary tools for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's get him started.

The New York Times

But don't get him started.

The New York Times

Don't get him started.

The New York Times

(Don't get him started on light fixtures).

The New York Times

And don't get him started on adverbs.

The Guardian

(Don't get him started on the customers).

The New York Times

And don't get him started on Michigan.

The New Yorker

Don't get him started on his hair.

The New York Times

Don't get him started on power tools.

The New York Times

Those projects will get him started, he said.

Princeton University

Don't get him started on the president, though.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When speaking about a more abstract concept or situation, it is always better to provide extra contextual elements. For example, you can follow it up with extra information like "Let's "get him started", since he's shown such enthusiasm about this role."

Common error

Avoid using "get him started" without a clear object or context. Ensure the listener or reader understands what 'started' refers to. Ambiguity can lead to confusion. If you're vague, use more explicit language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get him started" functions as a verbal phrase used to describe the action of initiating or assisting someone in beginning something. As shown by Ludwig, it suggests providing the necessary support or resources for someone to commence a task or activity. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get him started" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the initiation of an action for someone, as noted by Ludwig. It is found across diverse sources, including News & Media, Academia, and Sports. As shown by Ludwig, using contextual clues to specify what you are starting the person with/on allows for better writing. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity in its usage. Alternatives like "help him begin" or "assist him in commencing" offer nuances in formality and emphasis. Therefore, understanding the context and purpose allows for effective communication using "get him started".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

help him begin

Focuses on providing assistance to initiate an action.

assist him in commencing

A more formal way of saying help him start.

set him up to begin

Highlights the preparation aspect of getting someone started.

enable his start

Emphasizes providing the means for him to begin.

kickstart his efforts

Suggests a more energetic or forceful beginning.

prime him for initiation

Focuses on getting someone ready for the very first step.

facilitate his launch

Implies making the beginning process easier.

initiate him into

Suggests bringing someone into a new activity or group.

introduce him to the basics

Implies starting with fundamental knowledge or skills.

provide an initial impetus

Offers an initial push or motivation.

FAQs

How can I use "get him started" in a sentence?

You can use "get him started" to describe helping someone begin an activity or process. For example, "Let's "get him started" on the project by giving him the necessary tools."

What's a less common alternative to "get him started"?

A less common alternative to "get him started" is to use the phrase "facilitate his launch", which implies making the beginning process easier.

What can I say instead of "get him started" when being more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "assist him in commencing". This sounds more professional.

When is it appropriate to use "get him started"?

"Get him started" is appropriate when you want to indicate that you are helping or enabling someone to begin an activity, task, or process. It's commonly used in both informal and professional contexts.