getting somewhere

USAGE SUMMARY

"getting somewhere" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express the idea of making progress (towards a goal of some sort). For example: "We've been working hard on this project, and I think it's finally getting somewhere!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He's getting somewhere.

The Economist

Now we're getting somewhere.

The New York Times

We'll be late getting somewhere.

The New York Times

Now you're getting somewhere.

The Guardian - Music

Now we were getting somewhere.

The Washington Post

It was called Getting Somewhere.

The Guardian

"You're getting somewhere now," Thode said.

The New Yorker

Finally, he was getting somewhere.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Could talks get somewhere today?

The Economist

You get somewhere.

The New York Times - Food

Want to get somewhere?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting somewhere" to express a sense of achievement or forward movement in a project, conversation, or personal endeavor. It indicates that initial efforts are yielding positive results.

Common error

Avoid using "getting somewhere" in literal contexts related to physical location. It's an idiomatic phrase that primarily describes progress, not destination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting somewhere" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that progress is being made towards a goal or understanding. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is used to express the idea of making progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting somewhere" is a common idiomatic phrase used to express progress towards a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability in various contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it's most frequently found in news and media sources. When a more formal tone is required, alternatives like "making progress" or "achieving results" can be used. A key best practice is to utilize this phrase to indicate positive momentum, while avoiding its literal use in relation to physical locations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making progress

This alternative is a direct and general way to describe advancement.

moving forward

This alternative is a general term for advancing from a starting point.

making headway

This alternative suggests steady progress being made.

gaining ground

This alternative implies overcoming obstacles and improving position.

seeing improvement

This alternative focuses on observing positive changes over time.

advancing steadily

This alternative emphasizes the consistency and pace of progress.

making strides

This alternative implies significant and noticeable progress.

on the right track

This alternative focuses on direction and being properly aligned to reach a goal.

achieving results

This alternative emphasizes tangible outcomes of efforts.

turning a corner

This alternative suggests a significant positive change in direction or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "getting somewhere" in a sentence?

Use "getting somewhere" to indicate progress towards a goal or understanding, such as, "After weeks of research, we're finally getting somewhere with this project."

What's a more formal way to say "getting somewhere"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "making progress" or "achieving results", depending on the specific context.

Is "getting somewhere" appropriate for professional communication?

While "getting somewhere" is widely understood, it is generally more suited for informal or neutral contexts. In professional settings, consider alternatives that convey a more measured and formal tone.

What does it mean when someone says "Now we're getting somewhere"?

When someone says "Now we're getting somewhere", it typically means that a conversation, negotiation, or project is starting to yield positive outcomes or progress is finally being made.