getting this way

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting this way" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process or manner in which something is happening or developing. Example: "I never expected my life to be getting this way, but here I am, embracing the changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But how did she get this way?

The New York Times - Arts

How does a guy get this way?

The New York Times - Books

How did he get this way?

The Washington Post

But how did Nadia get this way?

The Guardian - Film

How did McEnroe get this way?

The Guardian - Books

When he gets this way, he becomes a gorilla".

The New York Times

Still, there are clues to how Fran got this way.

The New Yorker

Industry Overview: How did it get this way?

Stanford University

Here's how the litter industry got this way.

The Washington Post

Pamuk's novel helps explain how Nisantasi got this way.

The New York Times - Books

"Seems I've gotten this way at this point in the journey," he explained.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting this way" to describe a process or state of change that has led to a current situation. It often implies a sense of reflection or inquiry into how things have developed.

Common error

Avoid using "getting this way" when describing sudden or instantaneous changes. The phrase implies a gradual process or accumulation of events leading to the current state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting this way" functions as a descriptor of a process or state of change. It often introduces an inquiry or reflection on how something has evolved, as shown in Ludwig, indicating a process of transformation or development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

14%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting this way" is a versatile descriptor used to reflect on a process or state of change, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, its appropriateness depends on the desired level of formality. The phrase is prevalent in News & Media and Academia, with more formal alternatives recommended for highly professional or scientific contexts. Understanding its implications of gradual change and reflection will ensure its effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming like this

Focuses on the resultant state of change, rather than the process.

turning out this way

Emphasizes the unexpected or unplanned nature of the outcome.

developing in this manner

More formal and emphasizes the method or style of development.

evolving to this state

Highlights a gradual and natural process of change.

progressing in this direction

Focuses on the trajectory or path of development.

ending up like this

Highlights the final result, often with a sense of surprise.

transforming into this

Emphasizes a significant and fundamental change.

advancing to this condition

More formal and emphasizes improvement or progression.

shifting towards this form

Focuses on a change in shape, structure, or appearance.

morphing into this

Suggests a more dramatic or unusual transformation.

FAQs

How can I use "getting this way" in a sentence?

You can use "getting this way" to describe a process or state of change. For example, "How did our relationship "get this way"?" implies a reflection on the development of the relationship.

What are some alternatives to "getting this way"?

Alternatives include "becoming like this", "turning out this way", or "developing in this manner", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider using "ending up like this" if you want to highlight surprise.

Is it appropriate to use "getting this way" in formal writing?

While "getting this way" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "developing in this manner" or "evolving to this state" may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "getting this way" and "gets this way"?

"Getting this way" refers to a past or ongoing process, while "gets this way" describes a recurring behavior or characteristic. For example, "He always "gets this way" before action" indicates a habitual behavior.