is getting underway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is getting underway' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about the start of an event or activity (often one with multiple stages). For example: The election campaign is getting underway.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

An arts festival is getting underway on two downtown blocks.

The Washington Post

A press conference is getting underway in Brussels - it will be streamed here.

The Guardian - Business

That puts Democrats "in a favorable political position as the 2016 campaign is getting underway," wrote Gallup's Jeffrey M. Jones.

The Washington Post

"That shows, as the United States is getting underway, baseball is already part of our identity," Reyburn says.

The Washington Post

The internal, potentially internecine, physical battle for the "new Iraq" is getting underway, under the very noses of the liberators.

The Guardian

Critics charge that a medical arms race is getting underway as research seeks to transform potent opiates and popular sedatives like Valium into drug weapons.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Games are getting underway around the league.

The Guardian - Sport

Cherries are ripe and soft and harvests are getting underway.

Cornell University

The effort was "riddled with problems as it's getting underway," USA Today reported.

The New York Times

This was a time when the human genus, Homo, was getting underway.

The New York Times

But his career nearly ended just when it was getting underway.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is getting underway", ensure that the subject is clearly defined. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity about what is starting. For example, "The conference is getting underway" leaves no doubt about what is commencing.

Common error

Avoid using "is getting underway" when referring to completed actions. This phrase emphasizes the ongoing nature of a start, so it's unsuitable for describing events that have already fully commenced. For example, instead of saying 'The project is getting underway yesterday', say 'The project got underway yesterday'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is getting underway" functions as a verb phrase indicating that an event, activity, or process is in the initial stages of beginning or commencing. It typically requires a subject that represents what is starting, aligning with Ludwig's grammatical assessment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

The New Yorker

4%

The New York Times

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is getting underway" correctly indicates that something is in the process of beginning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical accuracy, and its frequency as 'common' across various contexts suggests its widespread acceptability. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to inform audiences about commencing events and processes. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid using it for events that have already fully commenced. Consider alternatives like "is commencing" or "is beginning" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is commencing

Focuses on the beginning of something.

is beginning

A more general term for starting.

is starting

Similar to 'is beginning' but slightly more informal.

is initiating

Implies a formal start or launch.

is in progress

Highlights that something has already started and is continuing.

is being launched

Emphasizes the act of initiating or introducing something.

is kicking off

An informal way of saying something is starting.

is taking off

Suggests a start that is gaining momentum.

is unfolding

Conveys a sense of gradual development from the beginning.

is being activated

Implies a deliberate triggering or start of something.

FAQs

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

Use "is getting underway" to indicate that something is in the process of starting. For example, "The fundraising campaign "is getting underway" with a kickoff event next week."

What are some alternatives to "is getting underway"?

You can use alternatives such as "is commencing", "is beginning", or "is starting" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "was getting underway"?

Yes, "was getting underway" is correct when referring to something that was starting in the past. For example, "The investigation "was getting underway" as soon as the evidence was discovered."

What is the difference between "is getting underway" and "has gotten underway"?

"Is getting underway" indicates a process that is currently in the initial stages. "Has gotten underway" implies that the process has already begun and is ongoing. For example, "The project "is getting underway" this week," versus "The project "has gotten underway", and the team is making good progress."