get something running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get something running" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of beginning a process, for example, "We need to get the project running as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This will take a lot of effort and will require ongoing costs such as the shop premises, etc., but as a team it might be possible to get something running on a more permanent basis that doesn't cost much due to the generosity of everyone involved.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Put energy into getting something running – perhaps starting up a campaign, working in a charity shop, or volunteering to put on a drama production.

The Guardian

"One of the biggest challenges is, if you think about academic work, you want to get something that runs a couple of times," explains Vause.

TechCrunch

If they tell you they can't help because of funding limitations, but introduce you to their friend, Pedro Espada in the State Senate, who they say might be able to get something done, run.

Huffington Post

"For us, it's very important to keep being a place where developers want to go and very easily can get something up and running.

TechCrunch

"We need to get something up and running as quickly as possible.

The Guardian - Business

"Our goal was to get something up and running that could make economic sense immediately," Voorhies, the company's chief technology officer, said in an interview.

TechCrunch

And business doesn't have to change policy every four years, so if we get something up and running it can be sustained.

Forbes

Many other water and cleantech ideas require tens of millions of dollars to even try to get something up and running".

TechCrunch

If you get something likely to run down or wear out over time, such as an electronic component, give preference to the model that can be easily upgraded or cannibalized for parts so that you don't have to junk the whole thing if one part breaks.

Huffington Post

And if its opportunistic defense continues to make big plays and the offense gets something from running back Ryan Williams, the Kolb-Fitzgerald connection should only improve with time.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get something running", ensure the context clearly indicates what "something" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "get something running" when a more precise verb (e.g., "implement", "activate", or "launch") would better convey the specific action you're describing. This will make your writing more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get something running" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the action of initiating or starting a process, system, or project. It indicates bringing something into an active or operational state, as confirmed by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get something running" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the idea of initiating or starting a process, project, or system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and versatile for various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as scientific and general online sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for both informal and professional communication. When employing this phrase, ensure that the "something" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "initiate something" or "activate something".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get something going

A more colloquial alternative, similar in meaning but less formal.

start something operating

Replaces "get" with "start" and "running" with "operating", implying a more formal tone.

initiate something

A more concise and formal way of saying "get something running", focusing on the act of beginning.

get something operational

Focuses on the state of being ready for use, similar to "running" but slightly more technical.

launch something

Emphasizes the commencement of a project or product, suggesting a public unveiling.

activate something

Focuses on making something functional or operational.

put something into action

Emphasizes the practical implementation of a plan or idea.

set something in motion

Highlights the dynamic aspect of starting something, implying ongoing movement or activity.

kick-start something

Suggests a quick and energetic beginning, often used for projects that need a boost.

establish something

Highlights the creation and initial setup of a system or organization.

FAQs

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

You can use "get something running" to describe initiating or starting a process. For example: "We need to "get the new system running" before the end of the quarter."

What is a less informal alternative to "get something running"?

For a less informal tone, consider using phrases like "initiate something" or "activate something", which are more suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What does it mean to "get something running"?

To "get something running" means to start a process, system, or project so that it is operational or active. It implies bringing something from a state of inactivity to a state of functioning.

Is there a difference between "get something running" and "get something going"?

While both phrases are similar, "get something running" often implies a more structured or technical process, whereas "get something going" can be more general and informal, referring to any kind of activity or project.