got off the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"got off the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe starting something, especially when it's a new venture, plan, or project. For example, "After months of planning, the new business finally got off the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Others got off the ground but never really soared.

The New York Times - Science

"They never really got off the ground," he said.

The New Yorker

Hyper-local websites have not really got off the ground.

The Economist

But these have scarcely got off the ground.

The Guardian - Business

It almost got off the ground once before.

The Guardian - Film

Admittedly, the financing failed several times before the film finally got off the ground.

Independent

Ground-Breaking: How the Commercial Property Market Got off the Ground, 1950-75.

The Economist

In most cases the money was lost before the business even got off the ground.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Agloco never got off the ground.

TechCrunch

The ruse never got off the ground.

The New York Times

Cannes got off the ground after World War II.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got off the ground" to describe the initial successful launch or commencement of a project, plan, or venture. Ensure the context implies overcoming initial hurdles to begin operating.

Common error

Avoid using "got off the ground" to describe literal physical movement (e.g., someone getting up from the floor). This phrase is primarily idiomatic and refers to the successful start of something abstract.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "got off the ground" is as a verbal phrase. It acts as the predicate of a sentence, describing the successful initiation or commencement of an action, project, or endeavor. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "got off the ground" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the successful commencement or launch of a project, plan, or venture. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional settings. The primary contexts where this phrase appears are News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business writing. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of successful initiation and avoid using it for literal physical movement. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility and widespread use across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

took off

Emphasizes rapid growth and success after starting.

was launched

Highlights the formal commencement or introduction of something.

got underway

Implies that something has begun and is progressing.

was initiated

Highlights the formal or official commencement of a project or action.

became established

Focuses on achieving stability and recognition after the initial phase.

began to operate

Focuses on the initial phase of functionality or activity.

commenced operations

Indicates the start of functional activities, often in a business context.

started to roll

Suggests the beginning of a process or series of actions.

saw the light of day

Focuses on the public release or unveiling of something.

came into being

Emphasizes the creation or emergence of something new.

FAQs

How can I use "got off the ground" in a sentence?

Use "got off the ground" to describe something that has successfully started or launched, such as "The new business finally "got off the ground" after months of planning."

What are some alternatives to "got off the ground"?

Alternatives include phrases like "took off", "was launched", or "became established", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "got off the ground" appropriate for formal writing?

While "got off the ground" is widely understood, more formal alternatives like "was initiated" or "commenced operations" might be more suitable for highly formal contexts.

What does it mean when something 'barely got off the ground'?

When something 'barely "got off the ground"', it means it only just started or began operating, often with limited success or stability. It suggests a fragile or uncertain beginning.