getting on with it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting on with it" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to encourage someone to proceed with a task or to stop procrastinating. Example: "After discussing the issue for too long, we decided it was time for everyone to start getting on with it and complete their assignments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The best feminists are sometimes the ones quietly getting on with it.

The Guardian - Film

Do you want a quiet one, head down, no fuss, just getting on with it?

Independent

Geoff Dyer suggests getting on with it.

The New Yorker

Business is just getting on with it.

The New York Times

They were just getting on with it.

The New York Times - Arts

Eibar, quietly getting on with it.

The Guardian - Sport

"Everyone's just getting on with it.

The Guardian - Sport

I love doing my job, and I love just getting on with it.

Independent

There he was, over the years, going out there and just getting on with it.

The Guardian

I prefer being in my studio quietly getting on with it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Always keep the messaging positive and active, showing by your own "getting-on-with-it" example.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting on with it" when you want to convey a sense of resilience and practicality in the face of challenges. It's particularly effective in informal contexts or when addressing situations where dwelling on problems is unproductive.

Common error

Avoid using "getting on with it" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more professional alternatives like "proceeding as planned" or "continuing with the process" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting on with it" functions as a verbal phrase often acting as a gerund or part of a continuous verb tense. It suggests the action of continuing a task or dealing with a situation, typically with a sense of practicality or resilience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Lifestyle

12%

Sport

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting on with it" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that signifies continuing with a task or situation, particularly when faced with challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. It functions as a verbal phrase, often encouraging action and progress. While its register is generally neutral, it is more suited to informal contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, its use extends to Lifestyle and Sport. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "moving forward" or "proceeding as planned" are recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving forward

Focuses on progression and leaving the past behind.

proceeding as planned

Emphasizes adherence to a pre-existing schedule or intention.

forging ahead

Implies determination and overcoming obstacles.

keeping at it

Highlights persistence and continued effort.

pushing through

Conveys a sense of struggling but still managing to continue.

taking it in stride

Suggests dealing with something calmly and without getting flustered.

making the best of it

Emphasizes a positive attitude despite unfavorable circumstances.

accepting the situation

Highlights acknowledgement and adaptation to a given state.

getting down to business

Implies shifting focus to essential tasks or activities.

soldiering on

Suggests continuing despite hardship, often implying resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "getting on with it" in a sentence?

You can use "getting on with it" to describe someone who is dealing with a difficult situation in a practical way. For example, "Despite the setback, the team is just "getting on with it" and focusing on the next challenge."

What does "getting on with it" mean?

"Getting on with it" means to continue with something despite difficulties or setbacks, often with a pragmatic and resilient attitude.

Which is correct, "getting on with it" or "get on with it"?

Both "getting on with it" and "get on with it" are correct, but they are used in different grammatical contexts. "Get on with it" is an imperative, while "getting on with it" is a gerund or present participle.

What can I say instead of "getting on with it"?

You can use alternatives like "moving forward", "proceeding as planned", or "forging ahead" depending on the context.