get the ball rolling

USAGE SUMMARY

"get the ball rolling" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the beginning of some activity or process. For example: "Let's get the ball rolling on this project by assigning tasks to each team member."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Argentina get the ball rolling.

The Guardian - Sport

You get the ball rolling.

The New York Times - Magazine

Algeria get the ball rolling.

The Guardian - Sport

We'll get the ball rolling.

The New York Times

Atlético get the ball rolling.

The Guardian - Sport

Germany get the ball rolling.

The Guardian - Sport

Honduras get the ball rolling.

The Guardian - Sport

Then they get the ball rolling.

The Guardian - Sport

Atlético get the ball rolling again.

The Guardian - Sport

Moross helped get the ball rolling.

The Guardian - Business

Real get the ball rolling again.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get the ball rolling" to indicate the commencement of a project, discussion, or any kind of activity. It's particularly effective when you want to convey a sense of progress and momentum right from the start.

Common error

Avoid using "get the ball rolling" when the action is already well underway or requires minimal effort to initiate. The phrase implies an initial push or effort to overcome inertia.

How to use

Learn how to use "get the ball rolling" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get the ball rolling" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the initiation of an activity or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. It suggests setting something in motion, requiring an initial effort to start.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get the ball rolling" is a widely recognized and commonly used idiomatic phrase that effectively conveys the act of starting something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its primary function is to encourage the initiation of an activity or process, particularly when some initial effort is required. While mainly found in news and media, it also appears frequently in academic contexts. Consider the formality of your writing when using this phrase, as more formal options may be better suited for certain situations. The phrase has many alternatives such as "kick things off", "set the wheels in motion" or "get started". So next time you need to initiate an action, remember to "get the ball rolling"!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start the ball rolling

This alternative is very similar, simply replacing "get" with "start".

get started

This alternative is a more direct and simple way of expressing the beginning of an activity.

kick things off

This alternative is more informal and conveys a sense of excitement and energy in beginning something.

launch the process

This alternative suggests a more structured and planned start to something.

set the wheels in motion

This alternative suggests starting a process that involves multiple steps or components.

get the show on the road

This alternative is informal and implies readiness and eagerness to begin a journey or performance.

activate the plan

This alternative emphasizes the execution of a pre-existing strategy.

initiate proceedings

This alternative is more formal and often used in legal or official contexts.

trigger the action

This alternative implies causing a specific event or sequence of events to begin.

commence operations

This alternative is formal and suggests beginning a business or military activity.

FAQs

How can I use "get the ball rolling" in a sentence?

You can use "get the ball rolling" to describe starting a project or activity. For example, "Let's "get the ball rolling" by outlining the main objectives."

What does "get the ball rolling" mean?

The phrase "get the ball rolling" means to start something, especially a project or activity. It implies initiating action and setting things in motion.

What can I say instead of "get the ball rolling"?

You can use alternatives like "kick things off", "set the wheels in motion", or "get started" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "get the ball rolling" in formal writing?

While "get the ball rolling" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider more professional alternatives like "initiate proceedings" or "commence operations".