get started

Meanings

1. 1phrasephrasal verbinformal

   To begin doing something, especially after waiting, preparing or hesitating.

   Grammar: No object; follows with 'on' or 'with' for the task: let's get started on the report.

   Patterns

   • get started on something
   • get started with something
   • get started doing something

   It's late, so let's get started on the report right away.

   I'll get started with the dishes while you make coffee.

   Once the guests arrive, we can get started.

2. 2phrasephrasal verbinformal

   To cause an activity, engine or project to begin working; used with an object in the middle.

   Grammar: The object goes between 'get' and 'started': we got the project started.

   Patterns

   • get something started

   A few jump cables finally got the old truck started.

   The coach tried to get the practice started on time.

   She hoped the first speaker would get the conversation started.

Word forms

Common combinations

let's get started

Let's get started before everyone gets tired.

get started on

I need to get started on my essay tonight.

get started with

Click here to get started with your new account.

get started early

Get started early and you won't have to rush.

getting started guide

The getting started guide explains the first steps.

get the party started

A good playlist will get the party started.

Synonyms and how they differ

begin

'Begin' is slightly more formal and works with a wider range of subjects, while 'get started' sounds practical and encouraging.

start

'Start' is the plain verb and can be used with an object directly, whereas 'get started' emphasizes the first step after a delay.

commence

'Commence' is very formal and is used in official announcements, while 'get started' is for ordinary speech.

kick off

'Kick off' suggests an official or lively beginning of an event, like a meeting or a match.

Opposites

Word family

start verb

to begin or cause to begin

starter noun

someone or something that starts, or the first course of a meal

jump-start verb

to start a car with cables, or to give a project a quick boost

getting started noun

the first steps of learning something, often used in titles of guides

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “get started”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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