how things will get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how things will get" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing future situations or outcomes, often in a context of uncertainty or speculation. Example: "I wonder how things will get once the new policy is implemented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's hard to see how things will get better before they get worse," he said.

The Guardian

It's hard to see how things will get better before they get worse".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

And this may well be how things will go when we get technology that can do that.

The New York Times - Science

More computing power and more knowledge about how the climate works should bring better understanding of how bad things will get, and when.

The Economist

Yet no one knows how bad things will get.

The Economist

No one knows how bad things will get.

The Economist

It is another to ask how good things will get.

The New York Times

Who knows how bad things will get if he imposes tariffs against World Trade Organisation rules".

The Guardian - Business

"I don't think most Australians realise how bad things will get in our manufacturing sector in the next 18 months to two years.

The Guardian

Well, commercial real estate is coming apart at the seams, credit card losses are surging and nobody knows yet just how bad things will get in Japan or Eastern Europe.

The New York Times

What's happening to the polar ice sheets right now, with most of the world's fossil-fuel resources still in the ground, is sobering enough; do we really need to start worrying about how bad things will get if, to use Max Weber's formulation, "the last ton of fossilized coal is burnt"?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "how things will get", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'things' refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "how things will get" in overly general sentences where the subject is unclear. Be specific about what 'things' you are referring to for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how things will get" functions as a relative clause, introducing a question or statement about the future state or progression of events. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in discussing uncertain or speculative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "how things will get" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, primarily found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for discussing future situations or outcomes, often with an element of uncertainty. While it is generally neutral in tone, writers should ensure clarity by specifying what 'things' refers to. Alternative phrases include "how things will turn out" and "how events will unfold", offering subtle variations in emphasis. By following best practices and avoiding vague usage, you can effectively incorporate "how things will get" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how things will turn out

Replaces 'get' with 'turn out', focusing on the final outcome or result.

how things will proceed

Replaces 'get' with 'proceed', focusing on the manner in which events unfold.

how things will develop

Substitutes 'get' with 'develop', emphasizing the evolution or growth of a situation.

how things will transpire

Uses 'transpire' instead of 'get', suggesting a more formal or fateful unfolding of events.

how events will unfold

Highlights the sequential and revealing nature of future events.

how the situation will evolve

Focuses on the gradual change and progression of a specific situation.

what the future holds

Emphasizes the uncertainty of the future, using a more general expression.

what will come to pass

Employs a more literary and somewhat fatalistic tone about future occurrences.

what the consequences will be

Shifts the focus to the repercussions or effects of current actions.

how the story will end

Frames the situation as a narrative, emphasizing the conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "how things will get" in a sentence?

You can use "how things will get" to discuss potential future scenarios or the progression of a situation. For example, "It's hard to predict "how things will get" after the policy change".

What's a more formal alternative to "how things will get"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "how events will unfold" or "how the situation will evolve".

Is it correct to say "how things will be" instead of "how things will get"?

While "how things will be" is grammatically correct, "how things will get" often implies a process or change over time, rather than a static state.

Can "how things will get" be used in positive contexts?

Yes, "how things will get" can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the situation. For example, "I'm excited to see "how things will get" once the new project launches".