get something done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get something done" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to the completion of a task. For example, "I need to get this assignment done before tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I would like to get something done.

The New York Times

Let's get something done,' " Comey recalled.

The New Yorker

" 'We hope to get something done.

The New York Times - Sports

But eventually we'll get something done.

The New York Times - Sports

They're trying to get something done special.

The New York Times - Sports

Parcells tried to get something done before.

The New York Times - Sports

I wanted to get something done.

The New York Times

His goal is to get something done".

The New York Times

"I'm sure they'll get something done".

The New York Times - Sports

Hopefully, we can get something done.

The New York Times

We're trying to get something done together.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get something done" when you want to convey the idea of completing a task or achieving a goal, especially in situations where the process is as important as the outcome. This phrase is versatile and suitable for various contexts.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "get something done" in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "achieve a result" or "accomplish a task" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get something done" functions as a verbal phrase. It indicates the completion of an action or task. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

11%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get something done" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey the completion of a task or the achievement of a goal. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. With a neutral register, it fits seamlessly into news reports, academic papers, and business communications. While more formal alternatives exist, its directness and clarity make it a valuable part of everyday language. The frequent usage in sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, underscore its reliability and broad appeal, making it a strong choice in different settings. Keep in mind to evaluate the settings where you want to use the expression, avoiding over usage in formal context and prefer other alternative forms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make progress

Highlights advancement towards a goal, typically in incremental steps.

drive results

Emphasizes the act of actively producing or generating specific results, especially in a business context.

accomplish a task

Highlights the completion of a specific task, often implying effort and diligence.

achieve a result

Focuses on the outcome, emphasizing the accomplishment of a specific result.

finalize an action

Implies bringing an action or process to a definitive end, suggesting a sense of closure.

execute a plan

Emphasizes the implementation of a pre-determined plan to achieve a specific objective.

bring to fruition

Suggests nurturing an idea or project to a successful completion, often with a sense of satisfaction.

make headway

Focuses on progress and advancement, implying that obstacles are being overcome.

get things moving

Implies initiating or accelerating progress, often in a stagnant or delayed situation.

wrap things up

Indicates bringing a process or activity to a conclusion, often with a sense of urgency.

FAQs

How can I use "get something done" in a sentence?

You can use "get something done" to describe the completion of a task or achievement of a goal. For example, "We need to "make progress" and "get something done" before the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "get something done"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "accomplish a task", "achieve a result", or ""make progress"" instead of "get something done".

Is "get something done" too informal for professional writing?

While "get something done" is acceptable in many professional settings, consider using more formal alternatives like "execute a plan" or "bring to fruition" for a more polished tone.

What's the difference between "get something done" and "get everything done"?

"Get something done" refers to completing a specific task or a portion of work, while "get everything done" implies completing all outstanding tasks or a comprehensive set of activities.