Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

get operated on

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get operated on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the process of undergoing a surgical procedure. Example: "After weeks of waiting, I finally scheduled a date to get operated on for my knee injury."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"He's going to get operated on after the game.

News & Media

The New York Times

And if they get operated on they don't necessarily have to go back to work".

News & Media

The New Yorker

They are sick patients and get operated on urgently or emergently.

Science

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"He's getting operated on now.

"She got operated on and they said she was free of cancer, and it came back.

News & Media

The New York Times

I had re-herniated the same disk that got operated on four months ago, and bulged the disk above it".

News & Media

The New Yorker

Allowing critics to run their reviews as soon as they see the show, he said, would be "like getting operated on every day".

News & Media

The New York Times

The New Yorker, December 23 , 1933P. 22 Tells about the time he got operated on for adhesions and how badly his father felt about it.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The following clinicians recount how assumptions with regards to thromboprophylaxis may lead to patients 'falling through the gaps': Unfortunately what happens sometimes is a patient gets admitted under one [Senior Clinician], gets operated [on] by another; a different registrar comes on to take care of them on the ward-it's like someone will deal with it, not me.

At the end of the year, he will get it operated on and get it fixed.

And Baxter says the time was right to get Whitehead operated on.

News & Media

BBC
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get operated on", ensure the context clearly indicates the medical reason for the surgery to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "get operated on" is acceptable, avoid excessive passive voice in your writing. Opt for more direct phrases like "undergo surgery" to enhance clarity and engagement.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get operated on" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of a surgical action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get operated on" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English to describe undergoing a surgical procedure. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media, with some occurrences in scientific contexts. While acceptable, it leans towards a more neutral register. Alternatives like "undergo surgery" or "have surgery" may be more suitable for formal contexts. While "get operated on" is correct, using active voice constructions can often improve clarity and impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "get operated on" to indicate that someone will undergo a surgical procedure. For example: "He will "get operated on" after the game."

What are some alternatives to "get operated on"?

Alternatives include "undergo surgery", "have surgery", or "have an operation". The best choice depends on the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "get operated on" or should I say "be operated on"?

Both "get operated on" and "be operated on" are grammatically correct, although "get operated on" is more conversational. The passive form "be operated on" is also acceptable.

What is the difference between "get operated on" and "have surgery"?

"Get operated on" is a more informal way of saying "have surgery". "Have surgery" is more direct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: