gets you going

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gets you going" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that motivates or energizes someone, often in the context of starting an activity or feeling inspired. Example: "This upbeat music really gets you going during your workout."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It gets you going!

The New Yorker

That always gets you going.

The New York Times - Sports

"That gets you going in low gear.

The New York Times

Sometimes when that happens, it gets you going".

The New York Times - Sports

It gets you going for a good night".

The New York Times - Style

"It gets you going, gets your adrenaline going.

The New York Times - Sports

I love that whole Afrobeat, which gets you going.

The Guardian - Music

"To me, it's no coincidence, defense gets you going.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's good, it gets you going," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

If global warming gets you going, then click over there.

The New York Times - Magazine

If you put on techno very loud it gets you going.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gets you going" to describe something that provides initial motivation or energy, particularly when starting an activity or overcoming inertia. For example, "Listening to upbeat music in the morning really gets you going for the day."

Common error

While "gets you going" is widely understood, it might sound too informal in academic or professional writing. Consider using more formal alternatives like "motivates" or "stimulates" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gets you going" functions as a causative idiom, indicating that something causes or enables someone to become active or motivated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a common and acceptable phrase used to describe the act of initiating activity or feeling inspired.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Sports

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gets you going" is a common and widely understood idiom that describes what motivates or energizes someone to start an activity or feel inspired. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI explains, it is best suited for informal and neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives such as "motivates", "stimulates", or "energizes". The phrase frequently appears in news and media, highlighting its broad applicability across various domains. Always ensure the context aligns with the level of formality required for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motivates you

Focuses on the internal drive rather than the initiation of movement.

energizes you

Highlights the increase in energy levels.

spurs you on

Emphasizes encouragement and continued effort.

kicks you into gear

Implies a more mechanical or forceful start.

ignites your passion

Highlights the stirring of intense enthusiasm.

sets you in motion

Focuses on the beginning of movement or activity.

starts you up

Emphasizes the initiation of an engine or process.

stimulates you

Focuses on mental or physical arousal.

propels you forward

Suggests a strong force pushing one ahead.

fires you up

Emphasizes excitement and readiness for action.

FAQs

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

You can use "gets you going" to describe something that motivates or energizes you. For example, "A good cup of coffee in the morning really "gets you going"."

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

In more formal contexts, you could use alternatives like "motivates you", "stimulates you", or "energizes you" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What kind of things "gets you going"?

Anything that provides you with motivation or energy can "get you going". This could include music, exercise, a challenging task, or even a stimulating conversation.

Is "gets you going" appropriate for all types of writing?

While "gets you going" is widely understood and accepted, it's generally better suited for informal or neutral writing. In formal academic or professional contexts, consider using more sophisticated alternatives.