getting off the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting off the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the initial stages of starting a project or initiative, indicating that it is beginning to take shape or become operational. Example: "After months of planning, our new marketing campaign is finally getting off the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I'm just getting off the ground.

The New York Times - Style

The sales effort is likewise just getting off the ground.

The New York Times

But most are only just getting off the ground.

The New York Times

(The catering business is just getting off the ground).

The New York Times

Nobody was getting off the ground in this one.

The New York Times

At Dragonstone, the party is really getting off the ground.

The New Yorker

Four other grants, worth $42 million, returned the money before even getting off the ground.

The New York Times - Tech

But frivolous or politically motivated prosecutions would stand little chance of getting off the ground.

The Economist

And LinkedIn, the professional social network, was just getting off the ground.

The New York Times

Evidently the simple act of getting off the ground requires giving in to something like joy.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In other words, we're looking at getting-off-the-ground money here, totaling under $100K.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "getting off the ground" to describe the early stages of a project or venture when it is starting to become operational after facing initial challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "getting off the ground" to describe a project that is already well-established or has significant momentum. This phrase is best suited for the initial, often challenging, startup phase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting off the ground" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a predicate to describe the commencement or initial stage of a project, plan, or endeavor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates the beginning of operational activity after a period of planning or preparation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting off the ground" is a common idiom used to describe the initial phase of a project or endeavor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is very common, appearing most often in news and media contexts. While it can be used in a variety of situations, it is most appropriate for describing projects that are just beginning to operate and have overcome initial challenges. Remember that it's best to avoid using it for projects that are already well-established and consider more formal alternatives like "getting underway" in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking off

Implies a successful start with rapid progress, emphasizing momentum more than initial commencement.

getting started

A more general term for beginning an activity, lacking the implication of overcoming initial obstacles.

gaining traction

Focuses on increasing momentum and acceptance, suggesting initial effort has yielded some positive results.

getting underway

A more formal way to express starting something, suitable for official announcements or reports.

coming to fruition

Suggests a gradual development process reaching a point of tangible results, highlighting the end of the initial stage.

starting to roll

Implies a process that's gaining momentum after an initial push, suitable for ongoing activities.

entering the initial phase

A more technical and descriptive alternative, often used in project management or formal settings.

kicking off

An informal expression meaning to start or begin something, often with enthusiasm.

being launched

Conveys a sense of formality and planning, often used for products, initiatives, or campaigns.

beginning to materialize

Implies that something previously conceptual is now taking concrete form, suggesting development beyond mere commencement.

FAQs

How can I use "getting off the ground" in a sentence?

You can use "getting off the ground" to describe the initial stages of a project, business, or initiative. For example, "Our new marketing campaign is finally "taking off" after months of planning".

What are some alternatives to "getting off the ground"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "taking off", "getting started", or "gaining traction".

Is it appropriate to use "getting off the ground" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "getting underway" or "entering the initial phase" for a more professional tone.

What does "getting off the ground" imply about the project's status?

Using "getting off the ground" suggests that the project has overcome initial obstacles and is now beginning to operate, but still in its early stages. It implies the project is not yet stable or fully successful, but progressing.