is getting at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is getting at" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the underlying meaning or intention behind someone's words or actions. Example: "I think what she is getting at is that we need to improve our communication skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ms. Worden is getting at something here.

The New York Times - Arts

But I don't think that's what Chowder is getting at.

The New Yorker

How bad is it is getting at the pump?

The New York Times

We may not fully know what he is getting at.

The New York Times

Ai Weiwei is getting at something really sublime.

The Guardian - Arts

But is this quite what the Koran is getting at?

The Guardian - Opinion

Which must be what William Bennett is getting at.

The New Yorker

I prefer to discover what the author is getting at as the plot develops.

The New York Times - Books

But it's really just a sign that NBC Universal is getting at least one thing right.

The New York Times - Arts

That is what, I think, Potter is getting at when he cast adults as children.

The Guardian

What is in doubt is precisely what Ms. Edwards is getting at.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is getting at" when you want to describe someone's underlying intention or the main point they are trying to make, especially when it's not immediately obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "is getting at" when the speaker's meaning is already direct and clear. Opt for stronger verbs like "stating" or "explaining" instead to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is getting at" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically indicating the act of implying, suggesting, or hinting at something indirectly. Ludwig examples show it's often used when the speaker's meaning is not immediately obvious.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is getting at" is a versatile phrasal verb used to interpret the implied meaning behind someone's words or actions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, alternatives like "is implying" or "is suggesting" may provide more precision depending on the situation. Understanding the subtleties of "is getting at" allows for more nuanced and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is implying

Focuses more on the act of suggesting something indirectly.

is suggesting

Similar to implying, but can be slightly more direct.

is hinting at

Emphasizes a subtle or indirect indication.

is driving at

Highlights the main point or conclusion someone is trying to reach.

is alluding to

Involves referencing something indirectly or metaphorically.

is referring to

Directly mentioning or pointing to something.

is indicating

Shows or signals something, often in a clear way.

is aiming at

Focuses on the goal or purpose of an action or statement.

is pursuing

Implies a more active effort to achieve something.

is trying to convey

Highlights the effort to communicate a specific message or idea.

FAQs

What does "is getting at" mean?

The phrase "is getting at" means to suggest something indirectly or to try to express the underlying meaning or intention behind something. It implies that the point is not being stated explicitly.

How can I use "is getting at" in a sentence?

You can use "is getting at" when you want to explain what someone is trying to imply or suggest. For example, "I think what she "is getting at" is that we need more resources."

What are some alternatives to "is getting at"?

Some alternatives to "is getting at" include "is implying", "is suggesting", or "is hinting at". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is getting at" formal or informal?

"Is getting at" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer a more direct alternative like "is indicating".