getting warm

USAGE SUMMARY

"getting warm" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe the process of becoming warmer or reaching a desired temperature. Example: "As the sun rose higher in the sky, the air around us was getting warm, and we knew it was going to be a hot day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're just getting warm".

The Guardian - Music

Welbeck is up, getting warm.

The New York Times

Professor Craig Wright: He played the — you're getting warm.

Yale University

Someone had shut off the air-conditioner, and it was getting warm in the reception room.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We are getting warm, we are working on all the leads.

Independent

In cold weather, the store attracts not just hat people but people interested in getting warm.

The New Yorker

There's a big investigation and we are getting warm," he said.

Independent

Tell me, pal, am I getting warm or not?" But these people don't change Augie's course.

The New Yorker

It was now getting warm, and near an hour and a half of waiting".

The New York Times

By now the sun is up and it is getting warm.

The Guardian

After that, she was comfortable -- but the people who worked around her were getting warm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical temperature, consider the context. "Getting warm" is less intense than "burning hot" or "boiling".

Common error

Avoid using "getting warm" in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise language may be preferred. For example, instead of "the sample is getting warm", use "the sample's temperature is increasing".

Linguistic Context

"Getting warm" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as part of a continuous verb tense. It indicates an ongoing process or state of transition towards becoming warmer, closer to a solution, or more successful in a task. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting warm" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a gradual increase in temperature or progress toward a goal. It's grammatically correct and very common, as supported by Ludwig AI. While suitable for news, sports, and general contexts, it may be less appropriate for highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "becoming warmer" or "approaching the answer" in more formal settings. Remember to use "getting warm" to convey a sense of progression and anticipation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming warmer

Focuses on the process of increasing in temperature.

heating up

Emphasizes an active process of increasing heat, often quickly.

approaching the answer

Shifts the meaning to approaching a solution or correct response.

closing in

Suggests approaching a target or goal, often used in investigations.

drawing closer

Similar to approaching the answer, but more general.

on the right track

Implies being on a path that will lead to a correct or successful outcome.

making progress

Indicates forward movement towards a goal, similar to approaching a solution.

making headway

Highlights progress being made, typically against some resistance.

nearing completion

Focuses on approaching the end of a task or process.

gaining momentum

Indicates an increase in speed or force, similar to heating up in intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "getting warm" in a sentence?

You can use "getting warm" to describe a gradual increase in temperature, such as "The soup is getting warm on the stove." It can also describe approaching a solution, like "You're "on the right track"; you're getting warm!"

What does it mean when someone says "you're getting warm"?

When someone says "you're getting warm", it usually means you're making progress toward finding a solution or answering a question correctly. It's a common phrase used in games or when giving hints.

What are some alternative phrases for "getting warm"?

Alternatives for "getting warm" include "becoming warmer" when referring to temperature, or "approaching the answer" when referring to solving a problem.

Is it appropriate to use "getting warm" in professional writing?

While "getting warm" is widely understood, it might be too informal for some professional contexts. Consider using more precise or formal language like "temperature is increasing" or "making significant progress" depending on the specific situation.