on getting wind of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on getting wind of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has become aware of something, often through informal means or gossip. Example: "On getting wind of the surprise party, she started to act suspiciously."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dawn supported the government's actions against Lal Masjid but questioned "how the intelligence agencies failed to get wind of the goings-on in the Lal Masjid and the stockpiling of arms and ammunition in such large quantities".

Wikipedia

Humiliation is averted when ON-J gets wind of it and proposes that they make a new version of the track together.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Pella" was employed nights at that time as a security guard for a securities firm in the Wall Street area and, as an early-on activist, had gotten wind of the proposed attempt to occupy Wall Street.

Huffington Post

As AARP's point man on youth violence gets wind of something major brewing from his new lover at the Justice Department, a health entrepreneur named Shen Li is pondering the business opportunities created by the latest American catastrophe.

The New York Times - Books

Skin had travelled all over the world, twining in a new town or city each week, moving on before anyone got wind of what he was up to.

Vice

While he knew nothing of the ITT demands on the CIA, he got wind of, and vetoed, the cash for payoffs from Anaconda and the other firms.

The Guardian - Business

In January, 1952, Joseph Gagne, a native of Augusta, Me., who had landed on the Normandy beaches, got wind of the plans to build a base here.

The New York Times

The father, who was also on the demonstration, had got wind of his son's arrest and apparently followed his captors and fought with officers for our release.

The Guardian

Knowing the answer and looking over her shoulder into the deep darkness of the Highland night, I expect to see hooded figures carrying flaming torches and pitchforks as Helen's friends, family and the more judgmental fellow travellers on grief's journey get wind of my thoughts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Morrill said that's precisely why his group acted as quickly as it did on Porter when it got wind of a possible nomination.

Huffington Post

We'd send her some free lemonade -- it's organic!" McLean has not listened to the album yet himself but, as a human being on this earth, has gotten wind of some of the Bey buzz.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on getting wind of" to create a tone of informal discovery, such as rumors or hints that are spread around. This suggests that the speaker is not receiving information through official channels.

Common error

Avoid using "on getting wind of" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for phrases like "upon learning of" or "after discovering" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on getting wind of" functions as an introductory phrase, setting the stage for the main clause. It indicates the point at which someone becomes aware of information, influencing their subsequent actions or thoughts. Ludwig's analysis indicates that this is a valid and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on getting wind of" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe the moment someone becomes aware of a piece of information, especially through informal channels. According to Ludwig, this phrase is valid and usable in written English. Though not suitable for highly formal or academic contexts, it is appropriate for news, general writing, and conversation. Alternatives like "upon learning of" and "after discovering" can provide a more formal tone when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Upon learning of

Focuses on the act of learning, emphasizing the acquisition of knowledge rather than the source.

After finding out about

Highlights the process of discovery and gaining information.

Having discovered

Emphasizes that something has been found out, often implying a sense of surprise.

On hearing about

Specifically relates to information received through auditory means.

Once informed of

Implies a formal or official notification.

Being alerted to

Highlights a warning or heads-up about something.

Becoming cognizant of

Adds a layer of formal language, suggesting deep understanding.

Getting wise to

Conveys street smarts or the gaining of savvy knowledge.

Coming to know

Focuses on the eventual attainment of knowledge over time.

Gaining intelligence about

Implies an active effort to gather secret or important data.

FAQs

How can I use "on getting wind of" in a sentence?

You can use "on getting wind of" to describe how someone found out about something, often unofficially. For example, "On getting wind of the new project, she immediately volunteered to lead the team".

What phrases are similar to "on getting wind of"?

Similar phrases include "upon learning of", "after finding out about", or "having discovered". Each conveys a sense of gaining information, but "on getting wind of" implies a more casual or indirect source.

Is "on getting wind of" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "on getting wind of" leans towards informality. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "upon being informed of" or "subsequent to learning of".

What is the difference between "on getting wind of" and "after learning of"?

"On getting wind of" suggests that information was obtained casually or indirectly, possibly through rumors or hints. "After learning of", on the other hand, is more neutral and doesn't specify the source or manner of obtaining the information.