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Angliholic Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Get started on our trip

Let's hit the road and get started on our trip.

Hi,

I wonder why the above uses the passive "get started on our trip" rather than "start our trip." Are they the same? Are there subtle nuances between them? Thanks.
  

Top answer

I find it hard to pin down any actual difference in meaning, but "get started" sounds less abrupt than "start"; it makes for a more rounded and more conversational sentence (though there is nothing to forbid the simple use of "start").

— Mr Wordy

  • I find it hard to pin down any actual difference in meaning, but "get started" sounds less abrupt than "start"; it makes for a more rounded and more conversational sentence (though there is nothing to forbid the simple use of "start").
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2 Answers
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I find it hard to pin down any actual difference in meaning, but "get started" sounds less abrupt than "start"; it makes for a more rounded and more conversational sentence (though there is nothing to forbid the simple use of "start").
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I agree with Mr. Wordy, especially that "start" by itself seems more abrupt. "get started on" seems to include the initial activities of the trip after starting the car in motion, while "start" seems to mean only to start the car, or whatever individual act you want to call the representive act of "starting".

For example, supposing you had ten things you wanted see on your trip, afte
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