get it over with

USAGE SUMMARY

'get it over with' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a task or chore that you want to complete quickly. For example, "I'm going to get it over with and take my math test now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's get it over with, he thought.

The New Yorker

Why not get it over with?

The New York Times

"It was good to get it over with," Helton said.

The New York Times

I wanted to just get it over with, do it.

The New York Times

"Basically, you want to get it over with," he said.

The New York Times

"The sooner we get it over with, the better.

The New Yorker

"Let's kill her and get it over with," he said, according to the court record.

The New Yorker

If there is to be one, they say, get it over with as soon as possible.

The Economist

But is it perhaps better to get it over with and move on?

The New York Times

The lesson was, Don't say nothin and get it over with quick".

The New Yorker

"I am glad to get it over with really.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get it over with" when you want to express a sense of wanting to complete something quickly, especially if it's unpleasant or causing anxiety. It implies a desire for relief and closure.

Common error

While "get it over with" is widely understood, it can sound too informal or impatient in professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral phrases like "complete the task" or "finalize the process" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get it over with" functions as an idiomatic expression used to express a desire to complete something quickly, particularly when it's unpleasant or causing anxiety. Ludwig examples showcase its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

11%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get it over with" is a common idiom used to express a desire to complete a task quickly, often because it's unpleasant or causing anxiety. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, though its informal nature makes it more suitable for casual conversation and less formal writing. While frequently found in news and media sources, it is less common in academic or formal business contexts. For more professional settings consider alternatives like "complete the task", "finalize the process" or "expedite the process".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Get done with it

This option is very similar, but emphasizes the state of being finished rather than the action of completing.

Just finish it

This alternative focuses solely on completing the task, omitting the nuance of wanting to avoid prolonging something unpleasant.

Take care of it now

This option highlights immediate action and responsibility for completing a task without delay.

Deal with it quickly

This alternative highlights the speed of handling the situation, while "get it over with" implies a sense of relief after completion.

Just do it

This well-known slogan focuses on overcoming hesitation and acting decisively.

Rip the band-aid off

This idiom specifically references a quick, decisive action to avoid prolonged pain or discomfort.

Get it done and dusted

This phrase emphasizes efficiency and completion, suggesting the task is fully resolved.

Expedite the process

This alternative is more formal and focuses on speeding up a procedure or operation.

Finalize it promptly

This option underscores the urgency and importance of reaching a final conclusion.

Address it immediately

This alternative stresses the importance of immediate action and resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "get it over with" in a sentence?

You can use "get it over with" to express wanting to complete an unpleasant task quickly. For example, "I hate going to the dentist, but I just want to "get it over with"."

What are some alternatives to "get it over with"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "just finish it", "get done with it", or "deal with it quickly".

Is "get it over with" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "get it over with" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more neutral phrases like "complete the task" or "expedite the process".

What does "get it over with" imply?

"Get it over with" implies a desire to complete something quickly, often because it is unpleasant, causing anxiety, or viewed as an obligation. It suggests a wish for relief and closure after the task is finished.