getting pregnant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting pregnant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing conception, pregnancy, or family planning. Example: "After trying for several months, they were overjoyed at the news of getting pregnant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She kept getting pregnant!

The New York Times - Books

I just kept getting pregnant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Getting pregnant would take help.

The Washington Post

"I was afraid of getting pregnant".

The New York Times

Have you ever had difficulty getting pregnant?

Harvard University

Getting pregnant was last on the list.

The Guardian - Opinion

Getting pregnant had been everything for them.

The Guardian - Film

Getting pregnant : why can't everyone just get along?

Stanford University

Getting pregnant: why can't everyone just get along?

Stanford University

Last thing I need is you getting pregnant".

The New Yorker

Mrs Winehouse dismissed the idea of her daughter getting pregnant.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the process of conceiving, consider the audience and context. "Getting pregnant" is generally appropriate for informal or general audiences. More formal contexts might benefit from using terms like "becoming pregnant" or "conceiving".

Common error

While "getting pregnant" is widely understood, it can sound too informal for medical or scientific writing. In those cases, opt for more precise and professional terms like "achieving pregnancy" or "successful conception".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting pregnant" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun or part of a noun phrase within a sentence. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as a common and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting pregnant" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to describe the process of conceiving a child. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in standard English. While frequently found in News & Media and scientific contexts, it's important to consider the audience and choose more formal alternatives like "becoming pregnant" or "successful conception" for professional or academic writing. Be mindful of the register and context to ensure the most appropriate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming pregnant

Uses a different verb while retaining the core meaning of initiating a pregnancy.

conceiving a child

Emphasizes the biological aspect of starting a pregnancy.

falling pregnant

A more idiomatic variation, common in some dialects, signifying the commencement of pregnancy.

impregnation

Focuses on the act of fertilizing an egg, a prerequisite for pregnancy.

gestating

Highlights the period of development during pregnancy, shifting focus slightly.

expecting a baby

Focuses on the anticipation of childbirth, a consequence of pregnancy.

starting a family

Broader phrase encompassing the decision and process of having children, including getting pregnant.

becoming a mother

Highlights the resultant role and identity after pregnancy and childbirth.

insemination

Refers to the introduction of sperm, an initial step towards pregnancy.

breeding

A biological term, sometimes used in a clinical or scientific context, referring to reproduction.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "getting pregnant" to sound more formal?

You can use phrases like "becoming pregnant", "achieving pregnancy", or "successful conception" in more formal settings.

Is "getting pregnant" appropriate for medical writing?

While widely understood, "getting pregnant" may be too informal for strict medical writing. Consider using terms such as "achieving pregnancy" or "conception" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "getting pregnant" and "becoming pregnant"?

The difference is primarily in formality. "Getting pregnant" is more casual, while "becoming pregnant" is slightly more formal but largely interchangeable.

What does it mean to say someone is "trying to get pregnant"?

It means they are actively attempting to conceive a child, often through methods such as timing intercourse with ovulation or seeking fertility treatments.