has something going on

USAGE SUMMARY

"has something going on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which someone or something is actively involved and is actively developing or progressing. For example: "My cousin's life has something going on every night of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"But it's really not attractive for somebody who has something going on in life," she said.

The New York Times

Unless he has something going on in the public eye, he can't exist".

The Guardian - Sport

Julie Taymor, who made a long study of Asian puppetry in her youth, almost always has something going on in town: right now, the long-running "Lion King" and, until recently, the production of "The Magic Flute" that she made for the Met in 2004.

The New Yorker

You always felt 'fine, this guy is in charge, this guy has ideas, this guy has something going on in his head and some plans'.

BBC

We have a thriving arts community and a very strong business, medical and higher-learning community so we're a city that really shows off for that week of the year but also a city that has something going on every week of the year".

BBC

The Gold Coast has something going on, but you have to be from elsewhere to enjoy it.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

You have to really have something going on up here," he added, tapping his head.

The New York Times

"The people who live here usually have something going on," he says.

The New York Times - Sports

"Whenever you have something going on, you're concerned," Girardi said.

The New York Times

"I'd like to sit on my couch when I'm 70 and not have to move, and still have something going on somewhere".

Independent

It just goes to show: we have something going on like that — these are all big political people, line out the door — like, that's a situation where something could have happened.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has something going on" to indicate that someone is actively involved in activities or projects, showing they are not idle or stagnant.

Common error

Avoid using "has something going on" in highly formal or academic writing; opt for more precise and professional language to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has something going on" functions as a descriptive idiom, indicating that a person or entity is currently involved in activities or dealing with certain circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has something going on" is a versatile idiom used to describe someone's active involvement in activities or their handling of certain situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as in wiki-based content. While generally acceptable, it may be too informal for academic or highly professional environments, where more precise language is preferred. Related phrases include "is involved in something" and "is occupied with something". Remember to use it to add color to your descriptions of people's lives, but be mindful of the context to ensure appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is busy with something

Indicates a state of being occupied or engaged.

is involved in something

Focuses on participation or engagement in an activity.

is engaged in an activity

Emphasizes active participation in a specific event or task.

is occupied with something

Highlights being busy or engaged with a task or activity.

has a project underway

Highlights that a task or project is currently in progress.

is working on a project

Specifies involvement in a planned undertaking.

is dealing with a situation

Focuses on managing or handling a particular set of circumstances.

is currently active

Emphasizes the state of being in operation or motion.

is experiencing something

Highlights a present and ongoing experience.

has an event planned

Focuses on scheduled events or activities.

FAQs

How can I use "has something going on" in a sentence?

You can use "has something going on" to describe someone who is actively involved in various activities. For example, "She always "has something going on", whether it's work, volunteering, or hobbies".

What's a more formal alternative to "has something going on"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "is actively engaged", "is involved in", or "is currently undertaking" instead of ""has something going on"".

Is it correct to use "has something going on" in professional communication?

While acceptable, ""has something going on"" might be too casual for formal professional settings. Opt for more precise language to convey specific activities or projects.

What does it mean when someone "has something going on"?

It generally means they are occupied with activities, projects, or situations, indicating they are not idle or inactive. Depending on the context, it can also imply secrecy or intrigue.