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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

let's get cracking
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Let's get cracking here.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Let's get cracking tomorrow, and let's have a drink tonight," said Boris, who gave up booze for the course of the campaign.

News & Media

The Guardian

When he was elected mayor of London earlier this week, Boris Johnson, a conservative journalist who rose to fame as a panelist on a British television quiz show (think of Tucker Carlson becoming mayor of New York), said in his victory speech, "Let's get cracking tomorrow — and let's have a drink tonight".

News & Media

The New York Times

But the window is open, so let's get cracking.

News & Media

The Guardian - Sport

One of the central things this government is saying: let's get cracking quicker.

News & Media

The Guardian

So let's get cracking.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

So we got cracking.

News & Media

Forbes

So get cracking.

News & Media

The New York Times - Tech

All the more reason to get cracking.

News & Media

The Economist

Close his eyes and get cracking.

News & Media

The New Yorker

They need to get cracking.

News & Media

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate it to convey a sense of enthusiasm and proactivity rather than just a dry instruction.

Common error

Do not use the phrase in formal reports, academic papers, or legal contracts. In these contexts, the idiomatic nature of "let's get cracking" can appear unprofessional or imprecise. Instead, use literal alternatives like "commence the project" or "begin the analysis".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.7/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let's get cracking" functions as a hortatory imperative. It utilizes the contraction "let's" (let us) to suggest a shared action among a group. The idiomatic component "get cracking" serves as the predicate, instructing a prompt start. According to Ludwig AI, this structure is highly common in journalism to inject a sense of immediacy into reporting.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

Science

Less common in

Formal & Business

Academia

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "let's get cracking" is a robust and energetic English idiom used to initiate action. Ludwig AI data reveals its strong presence in high-quality journalism, particularly within the News & Media sector, where it serves as a dynamic call to action. While it is grammatically correct and widely understood, its informal register suggests that writers should exercise caution when using it in strictly professional or academic environments. It is best reserved for team settings, speeches, and editorial content where a lively, proactive tone is beneficial. For a more versatile or formal alternative, "let's get started" remains the most reliable substitute.

More alternative expressions(10)

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let's get started

Uses a more neutral and professional tone suitable for any setting.

let's get to work

Focuses directly on the labor or task at hand.

let's get the ball rolling

Uses a different metaphor to describe starting a process.

let's make a start

Slightly more understated, often used in British English.

let's get down to business

Suggests moving past introductory talk to the serious portion of a task.

let's dive in

Implies an enthusiastic and deep start into a complex project.

let's get moving

Emphasizes the need for speed or physical transition.

let's kick things off

Often used for the very first action in a series of events or a meeting.

let's get busy

More casual and energetic, focusing on the activity level.

let's hop to it

Highly informal and suggests a quick, agile start.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "let's get cracking"?

It is an idiomatic way of saying that one should start doing something immediately and with energy. You can use alternatives like "let's get to work" or "let's get moving" depending on the context.

Is "let's get cracking" formal or informal?

It is considered informal to neutral. While it appears in major newspapers like The Guardian and The New York Times, it is typically found in conversational contexts or quotes. For a more formal setting, consider using "let's begin" or "shall we commence".

Which is better, "let's get cracking" or "let's get started"?

It depends on the desired tone. "let's get cracking" is more energetic and idiomatic, whereas "let's get started" is a safe, standard choice for any situation.

What is the difference between "let's get cracking" and "let's crack on"?

While both mean to start or continue a task, "let's crack on" is a characteristically British expression and is often used when one is already in the middle of a process and needs to maintain momentum.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

91%

Authority and reliability

4.7/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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let's get crackingGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

let's get cracking
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples