get them started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get them started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to initiating a process or activity for someone or a group of people. Example: "To ensure the project runs smoothly, we need to get them started on the initial tasks as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Actually, do get them started).

The New York Times

Get them started early on paleontology!

University of California, Berkeley

Seven basic questions can get them started.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Don't get them started on the Nose.

The New York Times

Don't get them started on garnishes.

The New York Times - Food

You've got to remove the tethers to get them started.

The New York Times - Books

It just takes someone to get them started.

The New Yorker

And don't get them started on John Singleton.

The New Yorker

It involved lending to small businesses to get them started.

The New Yorker

Friends and family invested $100,000 to get them started.

The New York Times

Just don't get them started on the party leaders' kitchens.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get them started", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the type of initiation or assistance you're describing. For example, use it when providing initial resources or guidance.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "get them started". Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "facilitate their launch" or "initiate their process" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get them started" functions as a phrasal verb used to describe the act of initiating a process or helping someone begin an activity. It aligns with Ludwig's assessment of the phrase being correct and usable in written English. The provided examples show its application in various contexts, from business to education.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

21%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get them started" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the act of initiating a process or assisting someone in beginning an activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informality, with more formal alternatives available for professional settings. Its prevalence in News & Media and Academia underscores its broad applicability. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the phrase's supportive and guiding intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

help them begin

Focuses on providing assistance at the very beginning of an endeavor.

initiate their process

Focuses on the beginning of a series of actions or a defined procedure.

assist their commencement

More formal, emphasizing the act of starting or beginning something.

facilitate their launch

Highlights the act of launching a project or initiative, making it easier for them.

prime them to begin

Suggests preparing them thoroughly before the start.

kick off their efforts

Idiomatic, suggesting an energetic start to their activities.

enable their take-off

Metaphorical, implying providing the means for a successful start.

set them up for success

Implies preparing them for a positive outcome from the start.

get the ball rolling for them

Idiomatic, emphasizing the act of starting something to encourage further action.

jumpstart their progress

Emphasizes an immediate and energetic start to their advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "get them started" in a sentence?

You can use "get them started" to describe helping someone begin an activity or project. For example, "We need to provide training to get them started on the new software."

What are some alternatives to "get them started"?

Alternatives include "help them begin", "assist their commencement", or "facilitate their launch", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "get them started" in formal writing?

While "get them started" is acceptable, more formal alternatives like "initiate their process" or "enable their take-off" may be more suitable for professional contexts.

What's the difference between "get them started" and "help them continue"?

"Get them started" refers to initiating an activity, while "help them continue" implies providing support to sustain an ongoing activity. They address different stages of a process.