getting to be

USAGE SUMMARY

"getting to be" is a perfectly correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use this phrase to express gradual change or a developing situation. For example: "Her social media presence is getting to be massive".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It really is getting to be time".

The New Yorker

It was getting to be evening.

The New York Times - Sports

Just getting to be dawn.

The New Yorker

They're getting to be a serious problem".

The New Yorker

I'm getting to be a drug fiend.

The New Yorker

It's getting to be an old story.

The New York Times

But it's getting to be an issue.

The Guardian

"This is getting to be fun".

The New York Times - Sports

Now they're getting to be more important.

The Guardian - Film

"It's just getting to be too much".

The New York Times

He's getting to be pretty famous".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting to be" to describe gradual changes or trends that are developing over time, providing context to illustrate the progression. For example, "The online community is getting to be a valuable resource for researchers."

Common error

Avoid using "getting to be" to describe sudden or instantaneous changes. This phrase implies a gradual process, so using it in contexts where changes occur rapidly can be misleading. For instance, instead of saying "The weather is getting to be sunny" when the sun suddenly appears, it's more appropriate to say "The weather is becoming sunny."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting to be" functions primarily as a progressive verb phrase, indicating a process of becoming or changing. Ludwig AI provides examples showing it's used to describe states evolving over time, such as "It's getting to be a cold winter out there" or "Now it's getting to be a habit."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Film

9%

Sports

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting to be" is a versatile phrase used to describe gradual changes or developing situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. To use it effectively, ensure you are describing a gradual process, not a sudden event. Alternatives like "becoming" or "starting to be" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember that while common, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various forms of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developing into

Focuses on the continuous growth and progression toward a final form.

starting to become

Focuses on the commencement of a transformation process, emphasizing the initial phase.

transforming into

Describes a complete change in form or appearance.

gradually turning into

Emphasizes the gradual and progressive nature of the transformation.

progressing towards

Emphasizes the forward movement and advancement toward a specific goal or state.

beginning to shape up

Highlights the initial stages of development and organization.

shaping up to be

Implies that the thing will achieve certain positive qualities in the future.

slowly evolving into

Stresses the slow and evolutionary nature of the change.

maturing into

Highlights the progression towards a more complete or refined state.

advancing to be

Highlights the forward movement and growing nature of the change.

FAQs

How can I use "getting to be" in a sentence?

Use "getting to be" to describe a gradual change or development. For example, "The project is "getting to be" more complex as we add new features."

What can I say instead of "getting to be"?

You can use alternatives like "becoming", "starting to be", or "evolving into" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "getting to be" or "getting to do"?

The correct phrase depends on the context. "Getting to be" describes a gradual change, while "getting to do" indicates the opportunity to perform an action.

What's the difference between "getting to be" and "used to be"?

"Getting to be" describes a current transformation, while "used to be" refers to a state in the past that is no longer true. For instance, "This area is "getting to be" a popular tourist destination" versus "This area used to be a quiet village".