gets this far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets this far" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has reached a certain point or stage in a process or situation. Example: "If the project gets this far, we will need to reassess our resources and timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

If the project gets this far the rewards could be enormous.

The Guardian

If he only ever gets this far, it'd be a fantastic achievement.

The Guardian - Sport

At this point in our discussion, if it gets this far, we always look at each other with some confusion.

The New York Times

In general, if the program gets this far, management has committed a considerable amount of resources to it, and it has become a part of the organization.

Harvard Business Review

When it gets this far, Isaac Newton can get fucked.

Vice

Now if it gets this far, you can bet that the coders won't run merely one simulation.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Getting this far.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We got this far.

The Guardian - Opinion

How then did he get this far?

The Economist

How did it ever get this far?

The Economist

Did that help him get this far?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gets this far", ensure the context clearly indicates a process or journey with distinct stages. This phrase is most effective when highlighting the effort or unexpected nature of reaching a particular point.

Common error

Avoid using "gets this far" in contexts that do not involve progression or a series of steps. It's not appropriate for describing unchanging states or conditions. For example, do not say "The building gets this far", but you can say "The project gets this far before funding runs out".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets this far" primarily functions as a conjunction phrase, often appearing in conditional statements. It highlights the attainment of a particular stage or point in a process, as demonstrated by the examples in Ludwig. It signifies that a certain threshold has been crossed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gets this far" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as supported by Ludwig. Its primary function is to indicate that something has reached a specific point or stage in a process or situation, often implying effort or an element of surprise. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register, making it suitable for a variety of writing styles. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context involves a progression or journey with distinct stages, as misusing it in static situations can lead to awkward phrasing. Alternatives such as "reaches this stage" or "progresses to this point" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reaches this stage

Focuses on the attainment of a specific phase in a process.

progresses to this point

Highlights the advancement and evolution leading up to the current situation.

advances this far

Emphasizes forward movement and the distance covered in a process.

arrives at this juncture

Stresses the arrival at a critical or decisive moment.

achieves this level

Highlights the attainment of a particular standard or rank.

comes to fruition

Implies that something has developed fully and is now realized.

makes it this far

Emphasizes overcoming obstacles to reach the current position.

endures to this extent

Highlights the perseverance and resilience required to reach the present situation.

succeeds in getting here

Focuses on the successful effort required to reach the present location or situation.

develops to this degree

Emphasizes the growth and evolution to the current level of complexity or sophistication.

FAQs

How can I use "gets this far" in a sentence?

Use "gets this far" to indicate that something has reached a specific stage or point in a process, often implying effort or a degree of unexpected success. For example, "If the negotiations "reach this stage", we'll need to reassess our strategy".

What are some alternatives to "gets this far"?

You can use alternatives like "reaches this stage", "progresses to this point", or "advances this far" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "gets this far" or "has gotten this far"?

Both "gets this far" and "has gotten this far" are grammatically correct, but "has gotten this far" implies a completed action in the past that has led to the present situation. "Gets this far" can refer to a hypothetical or future scenario.

What does it imply when someone says, "I never thought it would get this far"?

Saying "I never thought it would progresses to this point" suggests surprise or disbelief that something has advanced as much as it has, often due to unexpected challenges or a low initial expectation of success.