was getting underway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was getting underway" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the beginning or initiation of an event, process, or activity. Example: "The conference was getting underway when the keynote speaker arrived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

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

But my guess is that they were in the same neighborhood when his reform effort was getting underway.

Princeton University

In an interview Sunday, as the recount was getting underway, Snipes said she was hoping the controversy would blow over.

The Washington Post

Modernisation was getting underway, and the arts were, for the first time in living memory, being treated with a new seriousness.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Emergency vehicles clogged the area just as the evening rush was getting underway, bringing traffic to a standstill for about two hours.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 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

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

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was getting underway" to indicate the initial stages of an event, project, or process when you want to convey a sense of momentum or gradual commencement. For example, "The negotiations were getting underway as the mediator arrived."

Common error

Avoid using "was getting underway" when a simpler term like "was starting" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose. Choose the most direct and clear option.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was getting underway" functions as a progressive verb phrase indicating the beginning or initial phase of an action or event. Ludwig confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was getting underway" is a versatile phrase used to describe the initial phase of an event or process. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academic settings. While it can be slightly formal, it generally maintains a neutral tone suitable for a wide range of writing styles. When using this phrase, consider whether a simpler alternative like "was starting" might be more appropriate to avoid unnecessary verbosity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was starting

This is a more straightforward and common synonym for beginning.

was beginning

This option is very similar to "was starting" but slightly more literary.

was commencing

This alternative suggests a more formal start or beginning.

was initiating

Implies a more deliberate and formal start to something.

was being launched

Suggests something is being officially or publicly started.

was in the process of starting

Emphasizes the action of beginning rather than a completed start.

was taking off

This phrase conveys a sense of rapid or successful commencement.

was kicking off

An informal way to say something was starting, often used for events.

was being activated

Implies that something was made active or operational.

was in its initial phase

Highlights that something is in the earliest part of its development.

FAQs

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

You can use "was getting underway" to describe the beginning of an event, process, or activity. For example, "The project "was getting underway" despite initial setbacks."

What are some alternatives to "was getting underway"?

Some alternatives include "was commencing", "was starting", or "was beginning", depending on the context.

Is "was getting underway" formal or informal?

"Was getting underway" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. For more informal situations, you might use "was kicking off".

When should I use "was getting underway" instead of "had gotten underway"?

Use "was getting underway" to describe a process that was in the initial stages at a particular point in time. Use "had gotten underway" to describe a process that had already begun before a specific point in time. For example, "The preparations were getting underway when the guests arrived," versus "The preparations had gotten underway before we even sent out the invitations."