get their way

USAGE SUMMARY

'get their way' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'get their way' when referring to someone or a group of people succeeding in achieving their desired outcome. Example sentence: The teachers would often let the students get their way to avoid conflict.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

They may get their way.

The Economist

They may now get their way.

The Economist

Mayors get their way in such matters.

The New York Times

But elsewhere critics failed to get their way.

The Economist

BIG boys usually get their way, particularly in banking.

The Economist

So the banks will likely get their way.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

If they get their way, that 0.5% increase would disappear very fast.

BBC

Yes, the Republicans would get their way.

The New Yorker

They will not always get their way in life.

Huffington Post

Nobody is going to get their way but us".

The New York Times - Sports

Lots of loving, if the stars get their way.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get their way" when you want to emphasize that someone is successful in achieving what they want, sometimes despite opposition or challenges.

Common error

While acceptable, "get their way" can sound informal in professional writing. Opt for alternatives like "achieve their goals" or "accomplish their objectives" for a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get their way" functions as a verb phrase indicating success in achieving a desired outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It often suggests that someone has overcome obstacles or opposition to achieve their goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get their way" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of successfully achieving a desired outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media. While acceptable, its informality may warrant the use of alternatives like "achieve their aims" in formal writing. The phrase's function is to indicate that someone has overcome obstacles or exerted influence to realize their desires. When using "get their way", consider the context to ensure that its tone aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have things their own way

Implies controlling situations and outcomes to one's preference.

achieve their aims

Focuses on the successful attainment of specific goals or objectives.

accomplish their objectives

Highlights the completion of intended tasks or objectives.

prevail

Implies overcoming opposition to succeed.

succeed in their endeavors

Emphasizes the success in undertakings, often with effort.

triumph

Suggests a significant victory or success.

win out

Indicates ultimate success after a period of struggle or competition.

call the shots

Suggests having the authority to make decisions and control outcomes.

bend others to their will

Highlights the act of influencing or forcing others to comply with one's desires.

bring to fruition

Focuses on the successful completion and realization of something planned or desired.

FAQs

How can I use "get their way" in a sentence?

You can use "get their way" to indicate that someone succeeds in achieving what they want, even if it involves overcoming obstacles. For instance, "The protesters vowed to continue until they "get their way"."

What's a more formal alternative to "get their way"?

In professional or academic contexts, consider using alternatives such as "achieve their aims" or "accomplish their objectives" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is "get their way" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "get their way" is generally considered informal. It's best suited for casual conversation or less formal writing. In formal contexts, use alternatives such as "attain their goals".

What does it mean when someone "gets their way"?

When someone "gets their way", it means they successfully achieve what they want, often despite resistance or challenges. It implies that their desires or plans are realized.