getting on for a year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting on for a year" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a certain amount of time is approaching a specific duration, in this case, nearly a year. Example: "I've been living in this city for getting on for a year now, and I've really enjoyed it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is getting on for a year now since this column was commenting on the situation in which the young Kiwi talent Jesse Ryder found himself.

The Guardian - Sport

"Daniel is a little bit the same because it's getting on for a year now.

The Guardian - Sport

It was getting on for a year postpartum and her poor feet were only just getting back to normal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We were alerted by Dan Bennett, in the comments section to this week's Rough Notes, that Iran's President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, had posted this week for the first time in getting on for a year.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

To return to that first question, of when you last played a Sonic game and liked it: for me, that was getting on for 22 years ago.

Vice

For work that is getting on for 50 years old, that is astonishing.

The Guardian

In more measured terms she is getting on for 500 years old.

The Guardian - Books

It is getting on for eight years since the start of the financial crisis, long enough in the past for the healing process to be complete.

The Guardian - Business

"This market is now getting tired - it's getting on for 40 years old.

BBC

"If you're willing to change company, the savings are getting on for £180 a year at typical usage, and much more for many customers who have bigger bills.

The Guardian - Money

The trade is now worth between half a billion – getting on for a billion – dollars per year.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting on for a year" when you want to emphasize that a period of time is approaching the length of a year, rather than stating it as a precise duration. This phrasing adds a sense of imprecision and anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "getting on for a year" when you have an exact measure of time. If it has been exactly 11 months, stating "almost a year" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting on for a year" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating a duration of time. It's used to express that a period is nearing a year, conveying a sense of approximation. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing how long something has lasted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting on for a year" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that a duration is approaching one year. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media. When aiming for precision, consider alternatives like "almost a year" or "nearly a year". Remember to avoid using the phrase when you have an exact measure of time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost a year

Indicates a time period very close to, but not quite, a full year.

nearly a year

Similar to "almost a year", suggesting the duration is just short of a year.

approaching a year

Emphasizes the process of nearing the one-year mark.

close to a year

Indicates the time period is not exactly a year, but not far from it.

about a year

A more general term indicating an approximate duration of one year.

around a year

Similar to "about a year", suggesting an estimated duration.

in the vicinity of a year

A more formal way of saying approximately a year.

nearing the one-year mark

Highlights the progression toward the completion of a year.

drawing near to a year

Suggests that a year is about to be reached.

verging on a year

Implies that the duration is just about to become a full year.

FAQs

What does "getting on for a year" mean?

The phrase "getting on for a year" means that something is approaching the duration of one year. It indicates that a period of time is almost a year long, but not quite.

When should I use "getting on for a year" in a sentence?

Use "getting on for a year" when you want to convey that a period of time is nearing the one-year mark without being precise. It's suitable when the exact duration is not critical, and you want to emphasize the approach of a year.

What can I say instead of "getting on for a year"?

You can use alternatives like "almost a year", "nearly a year", or "approaching a year" depending on the context.

Is "getting on for a year" formal or informal?

"Getting on for a year" is considered relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts. It is acceptable in news reporting, blogs, and casual conversations.