get underway

USAGE SUMMARY

"get underway" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is starting or beginning. For example: "It's time to get underway and begin our hike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Can't wait to get underway.

The New York Times

We're about to get underway.

The Guardian - Sport

Another big one set to get underway.

The New York Times

2.59pm: We're just about to get underway.

The Guardian - Sport

We get underway at 1.30pm GMT.

The Guardian - Sport

6.20pm update: Good news, play will get underway at 6.30pm.

The Guardian - Sport

2.39am GMT Close to the start About to get underway.

The Guardian - Sport

We're about to get underway... 4.27pm BST Racuous 'Ole!

The Guardian - Sport

While Romania v Argentina is about to get underway.

The Guardian - Sport

We are about to get underway for Game 1 here at Busch Stadium.

The New York Times

Heavy equipment recently deployed to the gulf region will remain while inspections get underway, officials said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get underway" to signal the start of a process, journey, or event, especially when it involves multiple steps or phases. For example, "The project will get underway next month."

Common error

Avoid using "get underway" in highly formal documents or academic papers where more precise or technical language is expected. Instead, opt for terms like "commence", "initiate", or "begin".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "get underway" is a verb phrase, functioning as a predicate in a sentence. It indicates the commencement or beginning of an action or event. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Sport

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get underway" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate the start or beginning of an event, project, or journey. Ludwig AI confirms its suitability in written English. It's considered neutral in register, making it appropriate for a variety of contexts, though more formal synonyms might be preferred in academic or technical writing. Frequent usage is observed in News & Media and Sport contexts. Related phrases include "begin", "commence", and "start", each with slightly different nuances. To avoid overuse in formal contexts, consider alternatives like "initiate" or "commence". Use "get underway" to effectively signal the commencement of a process, especially when it involves multiple stages.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get going

Informal, suggesting a casual or less structured start.

start

A basic and widely applicable synonym, but less descriptive of a complex process beginning.

begin

A more general term indicating the start of something, lacking the idiomatic nuance of a journey or process.

commence

A more formal alternative, often used in official or ceremonial contexts.

kick off

An informal phrase, particularly common in sports or project management settings.

initiate

Implies a more deliberate and planned beginning, often of a project or process.

take off

Similar to a plane starting its flight; implies momentum and forward movement.

launch

Suggests a more significant and publicized start, often used for products or campaigns.

set in motion

Emphasizes the action of starting a series of events or processes.

spring into action

Indicates a quick and energetic start, often in response to a need or opportunity.

FAQs

What does "get underway" mean?

The phrase "get underway" means to start or begin, often referring to a journey, project, or event. It suggests the initiation of a process that is about to commence.

How can I use "get underway" in a sentence?

You can use "get underway" to describe the beginning of something, like: "The negotiations are expected to "begin" next week", or "The ship will "set sail" once the storm passes".

What are some alternatives to "get underway"?

Alternatives to "get underway" include "begin", "commence", "start", "kick off", and "initiate". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "get underway" formal or informal?

"Get underway" is generally considered a neutral to slightly informal phrase. While acceptable in many contexts, it may not be suitable for highly formal or technical writing where more precise language is preferred.