getting up there

USAGE SUMMARY

"getting up there" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to convey the idea of something that is getting old, "advanced in years," or that is growing in size, number, or scope. Example sentence: I'm getting up there in age so I'm not as spry as I used to be.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I was getting up there like, 'Hi, y'all,' " she said.

The New York Times

A trillion is getting up there: 12 zeros.

The New York Times

And I look forward to getting up there next week and playing some even better golf".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm looking forward to getting up there with a full sound system and my own band.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm getting up there and swinging and making the most of the opportunity".

The New York Times - Sports

I'm getting up there in age, but I'm still very competitive.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm getting up there in years," he added, saying his performing days are over.

The New York Times - Arts

COL LEGNO turns 14 this year, which in restaurant years is getting up there.

The New York Times - Food

There's no point in getting up there and singing songs that make you cry.

The Guardian - Music

But just imagine the feat of getting up there with that statue!

The Guardian - Arts

Uggie's still enjoying it, but he's getting up there and he's slowing down a little".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting up there" to subtly indicate age or progress without being overly direct or negative. It adds a touch of lightness to the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "getting up there" in highly formal or professional documents. It's generally more appropriate for casual conversations or informal writing. In formal writing, opt for phrases like "advancing in years" or "increasing in number".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting up there" functions as a descriptive phrase, often serving as a modifier within a sentence. It typically describes something that is advancing in age, quantity, or status. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Huffington Post

15%

Forbes

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting up there" is a versatile and commonly used expression. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and generally used in neutral to informal contexts, as evidenced by its prevalence in news and media. It's important to consider the context and audience when using this phrase, avoiding overuse in formal settings where more precise language may be preferable. The phrase serves to describe progress, age, or increasing quantities in an understated manner, making it a valuable tool in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advancing in years

Focuses specifically on the aspect of aging or becoming older.

growing older

A more straightforward and common way to express the idea of aging.

increasing in age

Similar to 'growing older' but slightly more formal.

approaching a milestone

Highlights the idea of nearing a significant point, often in terms of age or achievement.

reaching a certain age

Emphasizes the attainment of a particular age or stage in life.

maturing

Implies a process of development and growth, often associated with age.

becoming more senior

Specifically refers to gaining seniority, often in a professional context.

on the older side

A more casual and less direct way to indicate that someone or something is relatively old.

climbing in numbers

Focuses on the numerical increase, losing the age aspect.

nearing the top

Implies approaching a peak or a high point, potentially in a career or other endeavor.

FAQs

What does "getting up there" mean?

The phrase "getting up there" typically means something is aging, increasing in number, or approaching a significant level. It's often used to refer to someone's age or the progress of something.

How can I use "getting up there" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe age, like "He's "advancing in years", but still active", or to describe quantity, like "The number of participants is "climbing in numbers"".

What are some alternatives to "getting up there"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "advancing in years", "growing older", "increasing in age", or "approaching a milestone".

Is it appropriate to use "getting up there" in formal writing?

It's generally better to avoid "getting up there" in formal writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "advancing in years" or "becoming more senior" to maintain a professional tone.