getting on a chopper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting on a chopper" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to refer to boarding a helicopter, often in a casual or adventurous setting. Example: "After a long hike, we were excited about getting on a chopper to see the stunning views from above."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

My number one goal was winning this game, and now I get to stay here and celebrate with my teammates instead of getting on a chopper and flying to New York," Reynolds said.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I used ear plugs whenever I got on a chopper in Afghanistan.

Vice

"Taking a picture before you get onto a chopper or a plane is called Bon Jovi style," he said, explaining that the band routinely did this.

The New Yorker

He's got some dough, he's got a chopper, he's a great guy.

The Guardian - Music

"I've always had a fear of choppers and that's confirmed now, I don't think I could get into a chopper again".

BBC

To get a Chopper bike.

The Guardian - Music

The creme de la creme of the world elite get a chopper in from Zurich airport.

The Guardian - Business

Somebody lied, friends; British Pathé have got a chopper in the car, and it's called 'Lists'.

Vice

I began to shovel while he went inside to get an ice chopper — a long pole with a flat blade at the end, all rusted and brown.

The New Yorker

The Orange Box reminds me of those knife sets sold on late-night TV, where if you act now you get a vegetable chopper and a cutting board.

The New York Times - Tech

And no one covered first base on a chopper to the right side that was fielded by Todd Zeile.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting on a chopper" when you want to convey an informal or casual tone about boarding a helicopter. It's suitable for personal anecdotes or less formal writing contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "getting on a chopper" in formal documents or professional reports. Opt for more neutral or formal alternatives like "boarding a helicopter" or "utilizing helicopter transport" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting on a chopper" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun, modified by a prepositional phrase. It describes the action of boarding a helicopter. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various contexts, including news and media.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

18%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting on a chopper" is a grammatically correct phrase that functions as a gerund phrase, typically used in informal contexts to describe boarding a helicopter. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and provides examples from news and media sources. While acceptable in casual communication, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "boarding a helicopter" in professional or academic settings. Remember to consider your audience and the context when choosing between "getting on a chopper" and its more formal counterparts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, but also appears in wiki and general web content. Avoid overusing it in formal situations to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boarding a helicopter

More formal alternative, emphasizing the act of entering the helicopter.

going aboard a chopper

Similar to boarding, but slightly more nautical in tone.

hopping on a helicopter

More informal and casual, suggesting a quick or spontaneous action.

travelling by chopper

Uses a more informal term for helicopter.

entering a helicopter

A neutral alternative, focusing on the physical action of going inside.

entering into a helicopter

A more elaborate and less commonly used way of saying entering a helicopter.

catching a chopper ride

Implies an organized experience or a ride service.

taking a helicopter

Emphasizes the act of utilizing a helicopter for transportation.

flying by helicopter

Focuses on the mode of transport rather than the action of boarding.

using a helicopter

General alternative, simply indicating the use of a helicopter.

FAQs

What does "getting on a chopper" mean?

It means boarding or entering a helicopter, often used in informal contexts.

What can I say instead of "getting on a chopper"?

You can use alternatives like "boarding a helicopter", "hopping on a helicopter", or "taking a helicopter" depending on the formality required.

Is "getting on a chopper" appropriate for formal writing?

No, it is generally considered informal. Use more formal phrases like "boarding a helicopter" or "utilizing helicopter transport" in formal contexts.

How to use "getting on a chopper" in a sentence?

Example: "After a long day of filming, we celebrated by "getting on a chopper" for a scenic tour of the city."