getting things done

USAGE SUMMARY

"getting things done" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used in the context of completing tasks or achieving goals. For example, "I'm determined to get things done today before the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's the most useful guide to getting things done since Getting Things Done.

HuffPost

They're getting things done.

Harvard Business Review

We are getting things done.

The Washington Post

I love getting things done.

The Washington Post

I'm about getting things done".

The New York Times

She's about getting things done.

The New Yorker

Governor Cuomo is certainly getting things done.

The New York Times

Women are particularly good at getting things done.

Success Strategies From Women in STEM A Portable Mentor

It was about getting things done.

The New York Times

It is about getting things done.

The Economist

Getting things done democratically and effectively.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting things done" to emphasize efficiency and action-oriented approaches in both personal and professional settings.

Common error

Avoid using "getting things done" as a generic statement without specifying the tasks or goals. Instead, provide context to illustrate the specific achievements or actions being taken.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "getting things done" is that of a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. This phrase typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing an action or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting things done" is a commonly used and grammatically correct gerund phrase that emphasizes action, productivity, and accomplishment. Ludwig AI shows that it's versatile, fitting in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to academia and science. While broadly applicable, providing specific context enhances clarity. For more formal settings, alternatives like "achieving results" or "accomplishing tasks" may be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieving results

Focuses on the outcome of the actions, emphasizing the accomplishment.

accomplishing tasks

Highlights the completion of specific duties or assignments.

executing plans

Emphasizes the implementation and carrying out of established plans.

making progress

Suggests forward movement and advancement toward a goal.

delivering outcomes

Focuses on the production and provision of tangible results.

being productive

Highlights the efficiency and effectiveness in completing work.

finalizing projects

Emphasizes bringing projects to a close or completion.

completing objectives

Focuses on achieving specific targets or goals.

driving performance

Implies actively improving or enhancing overall performance.

bringing to fruition

Suggests successfully developing something from start to finish.

FAQs

What does "getting things done" mean?

The phrase "getting things done" refers to the process of completing tasks, achieving goals, or making progress on projects. It often emphasizes efficiency and effectiveness in accomplishing objectives.

What can I say instead of "getting things done"?

You can use alternatives like "achieving results", "accomplishing tasks", or "executing plans" depending on the context.

How can I improve my ability to "getting things done"?

To enhance your ability in "getting things done", focus on setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and minimizing distractions. Techniques like time blocking and task delegation can also be beneficial.

Is "getting things done" a formal or informal expression?

"Getting things done" is generally considered an informal expression suitable for everyday conversations and less formal writing. In professional or academic contexts, more formal alternatives like "achieving objectives" or "completing tasks" may be more appropriate.