get things going

USAGE SUMMARY

"get things going" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to initiating or stimulating action, such as in the sentence, "Let's get things going and start the meeting!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Japan, in blue, get things going.

The Guardian - Sport

That's a good way to get things going".

The New York Times - Science

Those three guys really get things going for them".

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Chidambaram's budget aims to get things going again.

The Economist

The All Whites in, well, all white get things going.

The Guardian - Sport

They are also given $100,000 to get things going.

The New York Times - Style

"He was willing to do anything to get things going".

The Guardian - Sport

You do get things going wrong like that.

The Guardian

Manning will get things going from his own 20.

The Guardian - Sport

We all have to accept liability to get things going.

The New York Times - Sports

Hopefully, the top of the lineup can get things going.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get things going", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'things' refers to. For example, instead of saying "Let's get things going", specify "Let's get the project going" for better clarity.

Common error

While "get things going" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in professional reports or academic papers. In such contexts, consider using more formal alternatives such as "initiate", "commence", or "activate" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get things going" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of initiating or starting a process, activity, or project. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Sports

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Style

5%

Tech

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get things going" is a common and correct English phrase used to describe the initiation of an activity or process. As Ludwig AI notes, it's widely applicable in various contexts, particularly in news and media, but might be considered too informal for highly professional or academic settings. Alternatives like "initiate" or "commence" may be more appropriate in formal contexts. While versatile, clarity is key, so specifying what 'things' refers to can enhance understanding. Its primary function is to motivate or describe the commencement of tasks, making it a valuable phrase in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kick things off

This alternative implies a more formal or ceremonial start to an event or process.

start the ball rolling

This suggests beginning a process that then continues on its own momentum.

set in motion

This emphasizes the act of initiating a series of events or actions.

get the ball rolling

Similar to 'start the ball rolling', but slightly less formal.

get underway

Implies a formal start or commencement, often used in the context of events or projects.

set the stage

This focuses on preparing the environment for something to begin successfully.

get the show on the road

More informal, often used when starting a journey or project after preparations.

fire up

Suggests energizing or activating something, often used in technical or mechanical contexts.

spring into action

Implies a quick and energetic start to something.

commence operations

A formal way of saying to begin activities, often used in a business or military context.

FAQs

How can I use "get things going" in a sentence?

You can use "get things going" to describe starting an activity or process. For instance, "The coach's pep talk helped to get things going before the game" or "We need to get things going on this project to meet the deadline".

What are some alternatives to "get things going"?

You can use alternatives like "kick things off", "start the ball rolling", or "set in motion" depending on the context.

Is "get things going" appropriate for formal writing?

While "get things going" is widely understood, it might be too informal for certain professional or academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "initiate" or "commence" in those situations.

What's the difference between "get things going" and "get things moving"?

While both phrases suggest initiating action, "get things going" often implies a more general start to a process, whereas "get things moving" suggests overcoming inertia or speeding up an existing process. For example, "We need to get things going on this project" versus "We need to get things moving to meet the deadline".