gets me going

USAGE SUMMARY

"gets me going" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used idiomatically to mean something or someone that motivates, inspires, or excites someone. Example: "Listening to upbeat music always gets me going in the morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Music

Personal Experience

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

That gets me going.

The Guardian

"I think the adrenaline gets me going.

The New York Times - Sports

"The environment gets me going".

The New York Times - Arts

That's what gets me going".

The Guardian

"The imagery is what gets me going.

The Guardian

That gets me going every time.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I know this is a democracy, but don't get me going," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It got me going.

The New Yorker

"But that's not what got me going.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not something that has really got me going.

Independent

"It got me going," Mattiace said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gets me going" to express enthusiasm or motivation, especially when describing personal preferences or triggers. For example, "Classical music really gets me going when I need to focus."

Common error

Avoid using "gets me going" in highly formal or professional settings where a more sophisticated vocabulary is expected. Opt for phrases like "motivates me" or "inspires me" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets me going" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that something motivates, inspires, or excites the speaker. Ludwig confirms this common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

20%

Music

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gets me going" is a versatile and commonly used idiom to express motivation, inspiration, or excitement. According to Ludwig, this expression is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, although it is advisable to use more formal alternatives in professional settings. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Sports, and Music, reflecting its wide applicability. When writing, consider using more sophisticated phrases like "motivates me" or "inspires me" for formal communication, while embracing the energetic tone of "gets me going" in personal and casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivates me

Directly indicates the act of being motivated, focusing on the cause of action.

inspires me

Highlights the inspirational aspect, suggesting a deeper sense of purpose.

excites me

Emphasizes the feeling of excitement and anticipation.

fuels my passion

Suggests a strong emotional connection and drive.

ignites my enthusiasm

Conveys a sudden burst of energy and excitement.

drives me forward

Focuses on the propelling force and direction of motivation.

sparks my interest

Highlights the initial trigger of curiosity and engagement.

animates me

Implies bringing life and energy to someone or something.

revs me up

Informal expression indicating heightened energy and readiness.

fills me with energy

Highlights the sensation of being energized and invigorated.

FAQs

How can I use "gets me going" in a sentence?

You can use "gets me going" to describe something that motivates or excites you. For instance, "Listening to music before a game really "gets me going".".

What's a more formal way to say "gets me going"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "motivates me", "inspires me", or "stimulates me".

Is "gets me going" appropriate for professional communication?

While "gets me going" is widely understood, it's generally better suited for informal conversations. For professional settings, opt for more polished alternatives like "drives me" or "motivates me".

What's the difference between "gets me going" and "gets me excited"?

While similar, "gets me going" implies a sense of motivation and action, whereas "gets me excited" primarily focuses on the feeling of excitement. The former suggests a drive to do something, while the latter highlights a feeling of anticipation or pleasure.