Have you ever found yourself using getting started too often and wondered what else you could say? While getting started is a simple and natural phrase, repeating it in emails, conversations, instructions, or professional writing can make your language feel a little predictable. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives that can express the same idea with a different tone or emphasis.
Getting started generally means beginning something, taking the first step, or starting a task or activity. Depending on the situation, you might say beginning, starting out, kicking things off, getting underway, or taking the first step. Some alternatives sound casual and friendly, while others work better in professional, academic, or formal settings.
Examples:
- Let’s get started with today’s meeting.
- Let’s kick things off with a quick introduction.
- We’re ready to get underway with the project.
The best alternative depends on what you’re trying to say. For example, kicking things off works well in casual or conversational settings, while beginning the process may sound more appropriate in professional writing. If you’re giving instructions, take the first step can make the sentence feel more direct and encouraging.
In this guide, you’ll discover other ways to say getting started, including professional, casual, formal, and creative alternatives. Each expression comes with clear examples so you can choose the right phrase for your email, conversation, presentation, workplace communication, or everyday writing.
What Does “Getting Started” Mean?
“Getting started” means beginning an activity, task, project, process, or period of work.
It can describe a very simple action:
I’m getting started on my homework.
It can also describe something much larger:
The team is getting started on a new research project.
The phrase doesn’t necessarily tell you how the beginning happens. It simply focuses on moving from not doing something to beginning it.
Depending on the context, getting started can refer to:
- Beginning a task
- Starting a project
- Beginning a meeting
- Starting work
- Beginning a new activity
- Taking the first step toward a goal
- Beginning a process
- Starting something new or challenging
Because the phrase has such a broad meaning, its alternatives aren’t always interchangeable.
For instance, “commencing” and “kicking things off” can both refer to starting something. However, they create very different impressions. One sounds formal. The other sounds conversational.
Other Ways to Say “Getting Started”
Here are some of the most useful alternatives, organized by meaning and tone.5Starting” Is the Simplest Alternative
If you need a direct replacement for “getting started,” “starting” is usually the safest choice.
It works in everyday conversation, workplace writing, school assignments, and informal messages.
Examples:
- I’m starting my homework now.
- We’re starting the meeting at 9 a.m.
- She is starting a new project.
- The class is starting soon.
- He is starting work on the report.
The main advantage is simplicity. You don’t have to worry about sounding too formal or too casual.
When to Use “Starting”
Choose starting when you simply want to describe the beginning of an activity.
We’re getting started on the report.
can become:
We’re starting the report.
However, depending on the sentence, “starting work on the report” may sound more natural than simply “starting the report.”
“Beginning” Works in Most Contexts
Beginning is another broad, neutral alternative.
It often sounds slightly more polished than starting, especially in formal or explanatory writing.
Examples:
- We’re beginning the next phase of the project.
- The presentation is beginning shortly.
- She is beginning her first year at college.
- The company is beginning a new research program.
The distinction between beginning and starting is usually small. In many sentences, you can use either one without changing the basic meaning.
“Getting Underway” for Projects, Events, and Processes
Getting underway is one of the most useful alternatives when something is moving from preparation into actual activity.
Cambridge defines get underway as meaning “to begin” and gives examples involving festivals, races, trials, and other activities.
It works particularly well with things that happen over a period of time.
Examples:
- The meeting will get underway at 10 a.m.
- Construction is finally getting underway.
- The festival gets underway next weekend.
- The investigation is getting underway.
- The new program will get underway in September.
There’s a useful distinction here: underway can also describe something that has already begun.
The project is underway.
means the project has started and is now happening.
The project will get underway tomorrow.
means the project will begin tomorrow.
“Kicking Things Off” for a Casual, Energetic Tone
If you want your writing to sound lively, “kicking things off” is a natural choice.
It means starting something, especially an event, meeting, discussion, activity, or series of activities.
Examples:
- Let’s kick things off with a quick introduction.
- We’ll kick things off at 9 a.m.
- She kicked things off with a short presentation.
- The host kicked things off with a question.
This expression fits friendly workplace communication, presentations, events, and conversations.
However, it isn’t the best choice for highly formal documents. A legal notice or official report would usually benefit from a more neutral verb such as begin, commence, or initiate.
“Making a Start” Means Beginning an Activity
Making a start means beginning to do something rather than continuing to wait or prepare.
Examples:
- It’s time to make a start on the project.
- We should make a start before it gets too late.
- She made a start on her assignment after dinner.
The phrase is especially natural when someone has been discussing or preparing for a task but hasn’t actually begun it yet.
“Taking the First Step” Emphasizes Progress
Sometimes getting started isn’t simply about beginning a task. It’s about making the first move toward a larger goal.
That’s where taking the first step works well.
Examples:
- Applying for the course is taking the first step toward a new career.
- Creating a budget is the first step toward better financial planning.
- Signing up for the class is a way to take the first step toward learning the language.
This phrase focuses more on progress than on the physical beginning of an activity.
That’s why it works particularly well with goals, plans, personal projects, and major changes.
“Setting Things in Motion” for Plans and Processes
Setting things in motion means taking action that causes a process or series of events to begin.
It can be stronger than simply saying starting.
Compare:
We started the project.
with:
We set the project in motion.
The second sentence emphasizes that the action created momentum and triggered further activity.
Examples:
- The approval set the project in motion.
- The announcement set a series of changes in motion.
- Signing the agreement will set the plan in motion.
Use this expression when one action leads to several subsequent actions.
“Launching” Works for New Projects and Initiatives
Launching suggests introducing or starting something deliberately.
It’s especially common with:
- Products
- Businesses
- Campaigns
- Programs
- Websites
- Initiatives
- Services
- Major projects
Examples:
- The company is launching a new product.
- The school is launching a mentoring program.
- The organization is launching a new initiative.
- The team is launching its campaign next month.
You wouldn’t normally use launching for every small task.
For example, “I’m launching my homework” doesn’t work in ordinary English.
That’s an important point: a synonym only helps when it preserves the original meaning and fits the noun that follows it.
“Embarking On” for Something New or Important
Embarking on has a more formal tone and usually describes beginning something significant, challenging, or new.
Oxford defines embark on as starting something new or difficult. Cambridge similarly describes it as starting something new or important.
Examples:
- She is embarking on a new career.
- The company is embarking on an ambitious project.
- They are embarking on a major research program.
- He is embarking on a new phase of his education.
This expression carries a sense of entering a new journey.
That’s why “embarking on a career” sounds natural, while “embarking on my five-minute homework task” would sound unnecessarily grand.
“Commencing” Is a Formal Alternative
Commencing simply means beginning, but it has a noticeably formal tone.
You’ll often see it in:
- Official notices
- Formal documents
- Regulations
- Schedules
- Administrative writing
- Academic or institutional contexts
Examples:
- The examination will commence at 9 a.m.
- Construction will commence next month.
- The ceremony will commence shortly.
- The hearing is scheduled to commence tomorrow.
In everyday conversation, start or begin usually sounds more natural.
The meeting will commence at 8:00.
is grammatically fine, but:
The meeting will begin at 8:00.
sounds more natural in most everyday professional settings.
“Initiating” Works for Processes and Actions
Initiating is another formal alternative to getting started.
It often appears when someone deliberately begins a process, procedure, system, or action.
Examples:
- The team is initiating the review process.
- The software begins initiating the connection.
- The organization is initiating a new training program.
- The department initiated an investigation.
Because initiate often sounds technical or administrative, it isn’t always the best replacement for everyday starting.
For example:
I’m initiating my homework.
sounds unnatural.
I’m starting my homework.
is much better.
“Diving Into” Adds Energy
Diving into creates an energetic, informal image of getting directly involved in something.
It’s especially common when talking about:
- Learning
- Research
- Work
- Reading
- Discussions
- Creative projects
Examples:
- Let’s dive into today’s lesson.
- I’m ready to dive into the new project.
- She immediately dived into the research.
- Let’s dive into the main topic.
The expression suggests more than merely beginning. It implies getting involved quickly and actively.
“Jumping Into” Is Casual and Direct
Jumping into has a similar meaning but often sounds even more conversational.
Examples:
- I’m jumping into the new assignment now.
- Let’s jump into the first exercise.
- She jumped into the discussion immediately.
- We can jump into the details after lunch.
It’s a good choice for casual writing, team communication, and friendly conversation.
“Getting the Ball Rolling” Means Starting Momentum
Getting the ball rolling is an idiom meaning to start an activity or process.
The image is simple: once a ball starts rolling, it can keep moving.
Examples:
- Let’s get the ball rolling with a short introduction.
- We need someone to get the ball rolling.
- Her first email got the ball rolling on the project.
- Let’s get the ball rolling before everyone leaves.
This phrase emphasizes momentum, not merely the first second of an activity.
“Getting Down to Business” Signals Focused Work
If getting started means moving from conversation or preparation into serious work, getting down to business can be a great alternative.
Examples:
- Let’s get down to business.
- After a brief introduction, we got down to business.
- It’s time to stop planning and get down to business.
The expression doesn’t simply mean beginning. It suggests that you’re now ready to focus on the important work.
“Taking Action” Focuses on Doing Something
Taking action works when getting started involves responding to a problem, pursuing a goal, or making a decision.
Examples:
- It’s time to take action.
- The organization is taking action to address the problem.
- She decided to take action rather than wait.
- The first step is taking action.
This phrase has a stronger sense of deliberate effort than “starting.”
“Setting Out” Can Mean Beginning an Effort
Setting out can describe beginning a journey, effort, task, or goal.
Examples:
- They set out to find a solution.
- She set out to learn a new skill.
- The team set out to improve the process.
- He set out to build a successful business.
It works particularly well with the structure “set out to + verb.”
We set out to solve the problem.
This means that we began with the goal of solving it.
“Getting Off the Ground” Suggests Successful Progress
Getting off the ground means successfully beginning or developing something.
Dictionary.com lists it as an idiom meaning “make a start” or “get underway.”
Examples:
- We need more funding to get the project off the ground.
- The business finally got off the ground.
- The new program is struggling to get off the ground.
- Once the team was assembled, the project got off the ground quickly.
There’s a subtle difference between starting and getting off the ground.
Something can technically start without making meaningful progress.
Getting off the ground suggests that the activity has moved beyond the initial stage and begun to develop.
“Putting the Wheels in Motion” Emphasizes Preparation and Progress
Putting the wheels in motion is an idiom for taking action that starts a process.
Examples:
- The agreement put the wheels in motion for the new project.
- They put the wheels in motion for the expansion.
- The decision put several changes in motion.
It works especially well when one decision causes a sequence of events.
Other Ways to Say “Getting Started” at Work
Workplace language often requires a balance between clarity and personality.
You don’t want every email to sound stiff. At the same time, some situations call for a more professional expression.
| Situation | Natural Alternative | Example |
| Starting a task | Starting | I’m starting the report today. |
| Beginning a meeting | Getting underway | The meeting will get underway at 10. |
| Opening a discussion | Kicking things off | Let’s kick things off with the main issue. |
| Starting serious work | Getting down to business | Let’s get down to business. |
| Starting a project | Launching | We’re launching the project next week. |
| Beginning a process | Initiating | We’re initiating the review process. |
| Beginning a major effort | Embarking on | We’re embarking on a new initiative. |
| Starting a plan | Setting things in motion | The approval set the plan in motion. |
Example: A Workplace Email
Instead of repeatedly writing:
We’re getting started on the project this week.
you could write:
We’re beginning work on the project this week.
Or, for a more energetic team message:
We’re kicking things off this week.
For a formal announcement:
Work on the project will commence this week.
Each sentence communicates a similar basic idea. The tone changes significantly.
Other Ways to Say “Getting Started” in an Email
The best replacement depends on the purpose of the email.
Neutral
- We’re ready to begin.
- We’re starting work on the project.
- We’ll begin shortly.
- We’re ready to get underway.
Professional
- We’re ready to move forward.
- Work will begin shortly.
- The project is ready to get underway.
- We’ll begin the next phase soon.
Friendly
- Let’s kick things off.
- Let’s get the ball rolling.
- We’re ready to dive in.
- Let’s get things moving.
Avoid forcing an idiom into a message simply because you’re trying not to repeat getting started. Clear writing beats clever wording when the two compete.
Other Ways to Say “Getting Started” in a Presentation
Presentations often need a short opening phrase.
Instead of:
Let’s get started.
you can say:
- Let’s begin.
- Let’s kick things off.
- Let’s dive in.
- Let’s get underway.
- Let’s get started with the first topic.
- I’ll begin with a quick overview.
- Let’s start with the main issue.
The best option depends on your audience.
For a formal presentation:
Let’s begin with a brief overview.
For a relaxed team presentation:
Let’s kick things off with the main results.
For an educational session:
Let’s dive into today’s first topic.
Other Ways to Say “Getting Started” on a Project
Project language often needs more precision because starting a project can mean several different things.
You might mean:
- Approving the project
- Beginning the actual work
- Launching the project publicly
- Starting the first phase
- Beginning implementation
- Taking the first practical step
That’s why different expressions work in different situations.
Starting the Actual Work
We’re beginning work on the project Monday.
Starting the Project Formally
The project will commence next month.
Launching a New Initiative
The organization is launching the initiative this fall.
Starting a Major Undertaking
The team is embarking on a major development project.
Creating Momentum
The approval set the project in motion.
Making Progress
The project has finally gotten off the ground.
These aren’t perfect synonyms. They describe different parts of the starting process.
Other Ways to Say “Getting Started” When Learning
Learning often involves a first step, which makes expressions such as begin, dive into, and embark on useful.
Examples:
- I’m starting to learn Spanish.
- I’m beginning a new course.
- I’m diving into the basics of programming.
- She’s embarking on a new field of study.
- He’s taking the first step toward learning the skill.
Notice the difference in emphasis.
Starting is neutral.
Diving into sounds enthusiastic.
Embarking on makes the learning experience sound substantial or important.
Taking the first step focuses on progress toward a larger objective.
Other Ways to Say “Getting Started” With a Goal
When you’re talking about goals, taking the first step is often more meaningful than simply saying starting.
For example:
I’m getting started on my goal of learning to code.
could become:
I’m taking the first step toward learning to code.
Or:
I’m setting out to learn to code.
Or:
I’m taking action toward my goal.
These alternatives emphasize intention and progress.
“Getting Started” vs. “Beginning”
These two expressions are very close.
| Phrase | Main Difference |
| Getting started | Often emphasizes the process of beginning |
| Beginning | Directly identifies the start of something |
| Starting | Simple, neutral, and widely used |
Compare:
I’m getting started on the report.
This emphasizes the act of beginning the work.
I’m beginning the report.
This is grammatically possible but can sound less natural depending on what you mean.
I’m starting work on the report.
This is often the clearest option.
“Getting Started” vs. “Getting Underway”
These expressions overlap, but getting underway often suits events, projects, processes, and activities that unfold over time.
The meeting is getting underway.
We’re getting started on the assignment.
Both are natural, but they aren’t equally natural in every context.
You wouldn’t normally say:
I’m getting underway on my homework.
Instead, say:
I’m getting started on my homework.
On the other hand:
The conference is getting underway.
sounds completely natural.
“Getting Started” vs. “Kicking Things Off”
The biggest difference is tone.
Getting started is neutral.
Kicking things off is informal and energetic.
Compare:
Let’s get started with the presentation.
and:
Let’s kick things off with the presentation.
Both work. The second feels more lively and conversational.
“Getting Started” vs. “Launching”
Launching has a narrower meaning.
You can start almost anything, but you typically launch something that has a public, organizational, or formal beginning.
Natural examples include:
- Launch a product
- Launch a campaign
- Launch a program
- Launch a business
- Launch an initiative
But:
- Launch homework ❌
- Launch breakfast ❌
- Launch a casual conversation ❌
In other words, launching often suggests an intentional introduction rather than an ordinary beginning.
“Getting Started” vs. “Embarking On”
Embarking on suggests a meaningful new undertaking.
Oxford specifically describes the expression as starting something new or difficult.
Compare:
I’m starting a new job.
with:
I’m embarking on a new career.
The second version makes the change sound like the beginning of a larger journey.
That’s why embark on works particularly well with careers, projects, studies, ventures, reforms, and other substantial undertakings.
Best Alternatives to “Getting Started” by Tone
Here’s a quick guide:
| Tone | Good Choices |
| Very simple | Starting, beginning |
| Everyday | Making a start, getting started |
| Casual | Kicking things off, jumping in |
| Energetic | Diving into, kicking things off |
| Professional | Getting underway, setting things in motion |
| Formal | Commencing, initiating |
| Important undertaking | Embarking on |
| Goal-oriented | Taking the first step, taking action |
| Project-focused | Launching, getting off the ground |
| Momentum-focused | Getting the ball rolling, putting the wheels in motion |
How to Choose the Right Alternative to “Getting Started”
Choosing the right phrase isn’t about finding the fanciest synonym. It’s about matching the meaning, audience, and situation.
Consider the Level of Formality
For everyday conversation:
Let’s get started.
For a professional message:
Let’s begin.
For a formal announcement:
The proceedings will commence.
Consider What You’re Starting
A meeting can get underway.
A campaign can launch.
A career can begin or get underway.
A major new undertaking can be something you embark on.
A plan can be set in motion.
A goal can begin with taking the first step.
Consider the Energy You Want
If you want a calm, neutral tone, choose beginning or starting.
If you want enthusiasm, choose diving into or kicking things off.
when you want determination, taking action or getting down to business may work better.
Quick Reference: Which Phrase Should You Use?
| If You Mean… | Use… |
| Simply beginning something | Starting |
| Beginning in neutral writing | Beginning |
| Starting an event | Getting underway |
| Starting a meeting casually | Kicking things off |
| Beginning a task | Making a start |
| Making progress toward a goal | Taking the first step |
| Starting a chain of events | Setting things in motion |
| Introducing a new program or product | Launching |
| Starting something important | Embarking on |
| Starting something formally | Commencing |
| Starting a formal process | Initiating |
| Starting enthusiastically | Diving into |
| Starting casually | Jumping into |
| Creating momentum | Getting the ball rolling |
| Beginning focused work | Getting down to business |
| Starting an effort | Taking action |
| Starting with a goal in mind | Setting out |
| Beginning to develop successfully | Getting off the ground |
| Starting a process through a decision | Putting the wheels in motion |
Frequently Asked Questions About Other Ways to Say “Getting Started”
What is another way to say “getting started”?
Common alternatives include starting, beginning, getting underway, making a start, kicking things off, taking the first step, and getting the ball rolling.
The best option depends on the context. Starting is the most general choice, while kicking things off is more casual and commencing is more formal.
What is a professional way to say “getting started”?
Good professional alternatives include beginning, getting underway, moving forward, initiating, and setting things in motion.
For example:
We’re getting underway with the next phase of the project.
This works particularly well for projects and processes because get underway specifically means to begin.
What is a formal word for “getting started”?
Commencing and initiating are formal alternatives.
Embarking on also works when you’re describing the beginning of something new, important, or challenging.
What is a casual way to say “getting started”?
Try kicking things off, diving in, jumping into, or getting the ball rolling.
For example:
Let’s kick things off with a quick introduction.
Is “getting underway” the same as “getting started”?
They have very similar meanings. Get underway means to begin, while underway describes something that has already begun and is happening.
For example:
The meeting will get underway at 10.
means the meeting will begin at 10.
The meeting is underway.
means the meeting has already started.
Is “kicking things off” professional?
It can be appropriate in a friendly workplace, team meeting, presentation, or internal message. However, it’s more conversational than begin, start, or commence.
Use it when you want your communication to feel energetic and approachable.
What is another way to say “Let’s get started”?
You can say:
- Let’s begin.
- Let’s start.
- Let’s kick things off.
- Let’s get underway.
- Let’s dive in.
- Let’s get the ball rolling.
- Let’s get down to business.
Final Takeaway
There isn’t one perfect replacement for “getting started.” The strongest alternative depends on exactly what you want to communicate.
For a simple beginning, use starting or beginning. For an event, project, or process, getting underway often fits naturally. If you want a casual and energetic tone, try kicking things off, diving in, or getting the ball rolling.
For something significant, embarking on adds a sense of importance. For a formal process, initiating or commencing may be more appropriate. And when the focus is on progress toward a goal, taking the first step can express the idea more clearly than a basic synonym.
In short, don’t swap words mechanically. Match the expression to the situation. That’s what makes an alternative sound natural rather than forced.
