the ball gets rolling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the ball gets rolling" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the start of an activity or process. Example: "Once we finalize the budget, we can get the ball rolling on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

When I represent a sexual abuse victim we start with one or maybe two clients, but as the ball gets rolling forward more victims almost always come forward".

The New York Times - Sports

Hussain has told Guardian Australia that the success of his show depends on "the ratio of brown to white people" in the audience: as both cop their share of ribbing, both need to see the other laughing before the ball gets rolling.

The Guardian

"The ball gets rolling.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Once he found it, "with its glamorous East Side addresses, the ball got rolling," he continued.

The New York Times

And once the ball got rolling, I felt confident enough to do that as well as cover other people's songs, and the tributes.

The Guardian - Music

The ball got rolling in Rhode Island.

Forbes

"I think after the ball got rolling it was kind of a snowball effect -- I just couldn't say no to every little speaking engagement," Coleman said.

Huffington Post

But, improbably, the glitter ball got rolling and suddenly here we are, waving rainbow flags and storming wedding chapels.

Huffington Post

The ball really gets rolling faster when you can speak the same language as the inventor.

Science Magazine

I got him the ball and he got rolling".

The New York Times - Sports

Now, the ball can get rolling here".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the ball gets rolling" to denote the beginning of a process or when momentum starts building in an activity. It's suitable when you want to convey a sense of initial effort leading to subsequent progress.

Common error

Avoid using "the ball gets rolling" when describing a static or unchanging situation. This phrase implies movement and progress, so it's inappropriate when there's no action or development occurring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the ball gets rolling" functions as an idiomatic expression. It's used to describe the point at which an activity or process begins to gain momentum. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Sport

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the ball gets rolling" is a correct and usable idiomatic phrase that signifies the commencement and increasing momentum of a process or activity, as validated by Ludwig AI. While not overly formal, it is best suited for neutral contexts such as news, general discussions, and certain business scenarios. Alternatives like "things get underway" or "the process begins" can be used for variety, but the original phrase effectively conveys the intended meaning of a start in motion. Remember to avoid using it in static or unchanging situations, as it implies movement and progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

things get underway

This alternative emphasizes the start of an activity, focusing on the action of beginning.

the process begins

This option highlights the initiation of a sequence of actions or steps.

things start moving

This phrase stresses the commencement of activity and progress.

the wheels are set in motion

This alternative emphasizes the deliberate action of initiating a process.

the project takes off

This phrase suggests a successful start and rapid development of a project.

the campaign is launched

This alternative is suitable for formally initiating a campaign or initiative.

activities commence

This option provides a formal tone to describe the start of activities.

the initiative is implemented

This phrase focuses on the practical execution and start of an initiative.

efforts are initiated

This alternative highlights the beginning of focused and concerted efforts.

the game begins

This option is suitable in context of the game or competition

FAQs

What does "the ball gets rolling" mean?

The phrase "the ball gets rolling" means that a process or activity has started and is gaining momentum. It implies that things are beginning to move forward.

How can I use "the ball gets rolling" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe the beginning of a project, a discussion, or any situation where progress is being made. For example: "Once we finalize the budget, "the ball gets rolling" on the project."

What are some alternatives to "the ball gets rolling"?

You can use alternatives like "things get underway", "the process begins", or "things start moving" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the ball got rolling"?

Yes, "the ball got rolling" is the past tense form of the phrase and is perfectly acceptable to use when referring to something that has already started and gained momentum in the past.