getting to know somebody

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting to know somebody" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of becoming familiar with someone or developing a relationship with them. Example: "During the first few weeks at the new job, I focused on getting to know somebody from each department to build a strong network."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The nature of getting to know somebody is that it takes time.

Independent

"Don't ever resist getting to know somebody because they look different than you do," John and Jan told them often.

The New York Times

It'll be different next year, playing with somebody different, getting to know somebody else, forming a new relationship with somebody else, on and off the court.

Independent

She's bound for the zip line, but pauses to mock the very conventions of the show: "This is my version of getting to know somebody.

The New Yorker

And the sense of unimaginable romance of getting to know somebody and going out with them, and the journey one had to make to a place of intimacy.

The Guardian - Film

It seems a slightly peculiar way of getting to know somebody, the sort of thing 1960s drama schools did to "break down inhibitions'" (and give the tutors a good leering session).

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It's the kind of business where you got to know somebody," Mr. Stevens told him.

The New York Times

"That's one of her courting methods when she wants to meet somebody or get to know somebody".

The New Yorker

Q. Give me some examples of questions that you would ask to get to know somebody?

The New York Times

"It was a departure for me to get to know somebody and photograph them," Frank says.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You really get to know somebody when you have been through some truly miserable experiences together.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting to know somebody" when you want to emphasize the active process of learning about another person, especially in early stages of interaction.

Common error

While "getting to know somebody" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "becoming acquainted with someone" or "developing a professional relationship" in business or academic settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting to know somebody" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the action of becoming acquainted with another person. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, emphasizing the process of building relationships and understanding individuals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "getting to know somebody" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the process of becoming acquainted with an individual. While generally neutral in tone, it is important to consider the context in which it's used. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's prevalent in news and media, as well as informal communications. For more formal settings, alternatives like "becoming acquainted" or "establishing a relationship" may be more appropriate. It emphasizes the active process of developing a connection, making it a versatile phrase for describing early stages of relationship building.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming acquainted with someone

Focuses on the initial stage of meeting and becoming familiar.

familiarizing oneself with someone

Highlights the process of learning about someone's personality and traits.

developing a rapport with someone

Emphasizes building a harmonious and understanding connection.

building a relationship with someone

Focuses on establishing a connection over time.

forming a connection with someone

Highlights the establishment of a bond or link.

cultivating a friendship with someone

Suggests a deliberate effort to grow a friendly relationship.

learning about someone

Emphasizes the act of gaining knowledge about a person.

understanding someone

Focuses on achieving insight into a person's thoughts and feelings.

exploring a connection with someone

Highlights the investigatory aspect of initial interactions.

connecting with someone on a deeper level

Suggests moving beyond superficial interactions.

FAQs

How can I use "getting to know somebody" in a sentence?

You can use "getting to know somebody" to describe the process of becoming familiar with a person, such as: "The best part of the new job is "getting to know somebody" from each team."

What are some alternatives to "getting to know somebody"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "getting to know somebody" include "becoming acquainted with someone", "familiarizing oneself with someone", or "developing a rapport with someone".

Is "getting to know somebody" formal or informal?

"Getting to know somebody" is generally considered informal to neutral. In more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "establishing a relationship" or "becoming acquainted".

What's the difference between "getting to know somebody" and "knowing somebody"?

"Getting to know somebody" refers to the process of becoming familiar with someone, while "knowing somebody" indicates that you already have some level of familiarity or acquaintance with that person.