Other ways to say “let’s get started” include “let’s begin,” “shall we begin?”, “let’s get underway,” “we can get started,” and “let’s kick things off.” Choose the phrase that matches your setting and tone.
Top 5: Let’s begin, Shall we begin?, Let’s get underway, We can get started, Let’s kick things off
“Let’s get started” is a common English expression used when you want people to begin an activity, meeting, lesson, project, or conversation. It is natural and friendly, but repeating it can make your English sound predictable.
Learning alternatives to “let’s get started” gives you more control over tone. You can sound formal in a presentation, professional in a business meeting, or relaxed with friends.
These other ways to say “let’s get started” are especially useful for workplace English, academic discussions, presentations, emails, interviews, and everyday spoken English.
“Fluent English is not only about knowing more words it is about choosing the right words for the situation.”
Formal Alternatives
- Let’s begin.
- Shall we begin?
- Let us proceed.
- Let’s commence.
Pro Tip
For formal meetings, presentations, and academic settings, “Let’s begin” is usually the safest choice. “Let us proceed” and “let’s commence” are more formal and can sound stiff in everyday conversation.
Professional Alternatives
- Let’s begin.
- Let’s get underway.
- We can get started.
- Let’s move forward.
Pro Tip
In professional communication, choose a phrase that sounds confident without sounding ceremonial. “Let’s begin” works well in most workplaces.
Business Email Alternatives
- We can begin with
- Let’s move forward with
- We can get started on
- I’d like to begin by
Pro Tip
Emails often need a slightly more complete sentence than spoken conversation. Instead of writing only “Let’s get started,” explain what will begin: “We can get started on the project once the final details are confirmed.”
Academic Alternatives
- Let’s begin with
- We’ll start by
- Let us consider
- Let’s turn our attention to
Pro Tip
Academic English benefits from precise transitions. “Let’s begin with” is natural in teaching and presentations, while “Let us consider” creates a more formal academic tone.
Casual Alternatives
- Let’s get going.
- Let’s kick things off.
- Let’s start.
- Let’s dive in.
Pro Tip
These expressions are common in conversations and friendly team settings. “Let’s kick things off” is especially natural when starting a group activity or informal meeting.
Informal Expressions
- Let’s get moving.
- Let’s do this.
- Here we go.
- Let’s roll.
Pro Tip
These expressions are energetic and conversational. They work best with friends, familiar colleagues, or informal groups rather than formal clients or academic writing.
Common Mistakes
1. Using “Let’s commence” in every situation
Why it is incorrect: The grammar is correct, but the expression can sound unnecessarily formal.
Correct version: “Let’s begin.”
Example: “Let’s begin the meeting with a quick review.”
2. Writing “Let’s get started” in a formal email without context
Why it can be weak: The phrase is natural in speech, but an email often benefits from more specific wording.
Better version: “We can begin the project once the documents are approved.”
Example: “We can begin the next phase after receiving your confirmation.”
3. Using “Let’s do this” with a client
Why it can be unsuitable: It is energetic and informal, which may not match a formal client relationship.
Better version: “Let’s move forward.”
Example: “Let’s move forward with the revised proposal.”
4. Confusing “begin” and “proceed”
Why it matters: “Begin” means starting something. “Proceed” usually suggests continuing or moving to the next stage.
Correct examples:
- “Let’s begin the presentation.”
- “Let’s proceed to the next section.”
5. Treating “Let’s kick things off” as formal English
Why it is unsuitable: It is an idiomatic, informal expression.
Better version: “Let’s begin.”
Example: “Let’s begin today’s meeting with the sales update.”
What Does “Let’s Get Started” Mean?
“Let’s get started” means “let’s begin now” or “let’s start the activity.”
Grammatically, “let’s” is a contraction of “let us.” In modern English, “let’s” commonly introduces a suggestion or proposal involving the speaker and other people.
Example: “Everyone has their notes, so let’s get started.”
The phrase is neutral, friendly, and extremely common. It can introduce a lesson, meeting, project, presentation, meal, trip, or activity.
When to Use “Let’s Get Started”
You can use the phrase in many situations:
- Business meetings: “Let’s get started with today’s agenda.”
- Presentations: “Let’s get started with the first topic.”
- Classes: “Let’s get started with today’s lesson.”
- Emails: “Once everyone confirms, we can get started.”
- Team projects: “Let’s get started on the first task.”
- Daily conversation: “We have everything packed, so let’s get started.”
- Spoken English: It sounds natural and friendly.
- Written English: It is acceptable in informal and professional writing.
- Formal situations: It is usable, but “Let’s begin” may sound more polished.
Is “Let’s Get Started” Professional or Polite?
Polite? ✔ Yes
Professional? ✔ Yes, depending on context
Formal? Sometimes
Natural? ✔ Very
“Let’s get started” is not unprofessional. It is simply less formal than expressions such as “Let’s begin” or “Shall we begin?”
Business-style example
“Thank you for joining us. Let’s get started with the first item on today’s agenda.”
This sounds professional because the surrounding language establishes a clear business context.
“Professional English does not always mean formal English. Natural, clear language is often the better choice.”
Pros
- Easy for most English learners to understand
- Extremely common in spoken English
- Friendly without being overly casual
- Suitable for many professional situations
- Works well when addressing a group
- Easy to adapt to different activities
Cons
- Can become repetitive
- Less formal than “Let’s begin”
- May sound generic without context
- Some alternatives communicate more specific tones
- Very casual versions may not suit clients or formal writing
Choosing the Right Alternative
The best alternative depends on who you are speaking to, what you are starting, and how formal the setting is.
The phrases below cover professional meetings, business emails, presentations, academic discussions, team collaboration, and casual conversations. Instead of memorizing one “best” phrase, learn what each expression communicates.
Expert Tip
Native speakers often switch between these expressions according to the audience and situation. “Let’s begin” is a reliable professional choice, while “Let’s kick things off” adds a more energetic, informal feel.
Other Ways to Say “Let’s Get Started” (With Examples)
These alternatives can help you sound more fluent, expand your English vocabulary, and avoid repeating the same expression. Notice the differences in tone before using them.
1. Phrase: Let’s Begin
Meaning: This means “let’s start” and is one of the clearest alternatives to “let’s get started.”
Explanation: “Let’s begin” is natural, concise, and slightly more formal than “let’s get started.” Native speakers commonly use it in meetings, presentations, lessons, and speeches.
Example Sentence: “Let’s begin by reviewing the three main objectives.”
Best Use: Business Meetings
Avoid Using In: Very Casual Chats
Tone: Professional, Clear
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- let’s begin the meeting
- let’s begin with
- let’s begin by reviewing
- let’s begin today’s session
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Let’s begin.”
- Professional: “Let’s begin with the quarterly figures.”
- Casual: “Okay, let’s begin.”
2. Phrase: Shall We Begin?
Meaning: This is a polite way to suggest that everyone should start.
Explanation: “Shall we begin?” sounds more formal and courteous than a direct command. It is especially useful when opening meetings, presentations, ceremonies, or formal discussions.
Example Sentence: “Everyone is here, so shall we begin?”
Best Use: Formal Meetings
Avoid Using In: Casual Texts
Tone: Polite, Formal
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- shall we begin
- shall we begin the meeting
- shall we begin with
- shall we begin our discussion
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Shall we begin?”
- Professional: “Shall we begin with the first item?”
- Casual: “Shall we begin, or is Tom still coming?”
3. Phrase: Let’s Get Underway
Meaning: This means to begin an activity, process, event, or journey.
Explanation: “Get underway” is slightly more polished than “get started.” It works particularly well for meetings, projects, events, and organized activities.
Example Sentence: “Once the final approval arrives, the project can get underway.”
Best Use: Professional Projects
Avoid Using In: Simple Texts
Tone: Professional, Polished
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- get underway
- project gets underway
- work gets underway
- negotiations get underway
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “We’re ready to get underway.”
- Professional: “The new initiative will get underway next month.”
- Casual: “The game should get underway soon.”
4. Phrase: We Can Get Started
Meaning: This means that it is now possible or appropriate to begin.
Explanation: This phrase sounds collaborative rather than directive. It is useful when you are waiting for something before beginning.
Example Sentence: “Now that everyone has received the materials, we can get started.”
Best Use: Team Meetings
Avoid Using In: Formal Speeches
Tone: Natural, Collaborative
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- we can get started
- we can get started on
- we can get started with
- now we can get started
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “We can get started now.”
- Professional: “Once the client approves it, we can get started.”
- Casual: “Everyone’s here, so we can get started.”
5. Phrase: Let’s Kick Things Off
Meaning: This means to start an activity, event, meeting, or project in an energetic way.
Explanation: This is an idiomatic expression. It is common in modern workplace English, especially in friendly teams, presentations, workshops, and events.
Example Sentence: “Let’s kick things off with a quick introduction.”
Best Use: Team Meetings
Avoid Using In: Formal Letters
Tone: Friendly, Energetic
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- kick things off
- kick off the meeting
- kick off with
- kick off the project
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Let’s kick things off.”
- Professional: “Let’s kick things off with the sales update.”
- Casual: “Let’s kick things off with some music.”
Native Speaker Tip
Among these first five, “Let’s begin” is the safest all-purpose professional alternative. “Shall we begin?” is more formal and polite, while “Let’s kick things off” sounds more relaxed and energetic.
6. Phrase: Let’s Get Going
Meaning: This means “let’s start” or “let’s move now.”
Explanation: It is informal and often suggests that people should stop waiting and start an activity.
Example Sentence: “We have a long day ahead, so let’s get going.”
Best Use: Daily Conversation
Avoid Using In: Formal Reports
Tone: Casual, Energetic
Formality Level: ⭐⭐ Casual
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- get going
- let’s get going
- get going on
- get going with
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Let’s get going.”
- Professional: “Let’s get going with the next task.”
- Casual: “Come on, let’s get going!”
7. Phrase: Let’s Start
Meaning: This is a direct and simple way to say that an activity should begin.
Explanation: “Let’s start” is shorter than “let’s get started.” It is neutral and works in both casual and many professional settings.
Example Sentence: “Let’s start with the most urgent issue.”
Best Use: Everyday Meetings
Avoid Using In: Formal Ceremony
Tone: Direct, Neutral
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: A2
Common Collocations:
- let’s start with
- let’s start by
- let’s start the meeting
- let’s start now
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Let’s start.”
- Professional: “Let’s start with the budget review.”
- Casual: “Let’s start the game.”
8. Phrase: Let’s Move Forward
Meaning: This means to continue by taking the next step or beginning the next stage.
Explanation: It does not always mean starting from zero. It often suggests progress after a decision, discussion, or approval.
Example Sentence: “Now that we have agreement, let’s move forward with the plan.”
Best Use: Business Communication
Avoid Using In: First-Time Introductions
Tone: Confident, Professional
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Formal
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- move forward with
- move forward on
- move forward together
- move forward with the plan
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Let’s move forward.”
- Professional: “Let’s move forward with the revised proposal.”
- Casual: “Okay, let’s move forward.”
9. Phrase: We’ll Start With
Meaning: This introduces the first item or activity in a sequence.
Explanation: This is especially useful in presentations, lessons, meetings, and instructional settings because it tells listeners what comes first.
Example Sentence: “We’ll start with a brief overview of the project.”
Best Use: Presentations
Avoid Using In: Casual Greetings
Tone: Organized, Professional
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- start with
- start by discussing
- start with an overview
- start with the basics
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “We’ll start with introductions.”
- Professional: “We’ll start with the financial results.”
- Casual: “We’ll start with pizza and then watch a movie.”
10. Phrase: Let’s Dive In
Meaning: This means to begin discussing or working on something without spending much time on preparation.
Explanation: “Dive in” is metaphorical and conversational. It is popular in presentations, workshops, tutorials, and friendly workplace communication.
Example Sentence: “We have covered the basics, so let’s dive into the main problem.”
Best Use: Workshops
Avoid Using In: Formal Legal Writing
Tone: Energetic, Friendly
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B2
Common Collocations:
- dive into the topic
- dive into the details
- dive right in
- dive into the discussion
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Let’s dive in.”
- Professional: “Let’s dive into the customer feedback.”
- Casual: “Let’s dive into the new game.”
Expert Insight
In workplace communication, “Let’s begin” and “We’ll start with” are dependable choices when clarity matters. Use idioms such as “kick things off” or “dive in” when the workplace culture is relaxed enough for conversational language.
11. Phrase: Let’s Move On
Meaning: This means to stop focusing on one point and continue to the next one.
Explanation: It is useful when a meeting, lesson, or discussion has finished one topic. It is not always a direct synonym for starting an entire activity.
Example Sentence: “We’ve covered the introduction, so let’s move on to the results.”
Best Use: Meetings
Avoid Using In: First Opening
Tone: Direct, Neutral
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Neutral
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- move on to
- move on to the next
- move on with
- move on from
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Let’s move on.”
- Professional: “Let’s move on to the next agenda item.”
- Casual: “Okay, let’s move on.”
12. Phrase: Let’s Get Moving
Meaning: This means to begin moving or acting rather than waiting.
Explanation: It is more energetic and informal than “let’s begin.” It can refer to physical movement or starting work.
Example Sentence: “The venue opens soon, so let’s get moving.”
Best Use: Casual Activities
Avoid Using In: Formal Emails
Tone: Energetic, Casual
Formality Level: ⭐⭐ Casual
Usage Frequency: Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- get moving
- get things moving
- get moving quickly
- let’s get moving
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Let’s get moving.”
- Professional: “Let’s get things moving on the new campaign.”
- Casual: “Come on, let’s get moving!”
13. Phrase: Let’s Proceed
Meaning: This means to continue or begin the next step in a formal process.
Explanation: “Proceed” is more formal than “start.” It is useful in professional, academic, administrative, and procedural contexts.
Example Sentence: “If there are no further questions, let’s proceed with the next item.”
Best Use: Formal Meetings
Avoid Using In: Friendly Chats
Tone: Formal, Controlled
Formality Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Formal
Usage Frequency: Occasional
CEFR Level: C1
Common Collocations:
- proceed with
- proceed to
- proceed as planned
- proceed with the discussion
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Let’s proceed.”
- Professional: “Let’s proceed with the agreed plan.”
- Casual: Usually avoided because it can sound stiff.
14. Phrase: Let’s Do This
Meaning: This expresses readiness and enthusiasm about starting something.
Explanation: It is highly conversational. It can sound motivating among friends or familiar colleagues but is less suitable for formal business communication.
Example Sentence: “We have prepared everything we need, so let’s do this.”
Best Use: Team Motivation
Avoid Using In: Formal Emails
Tone: Friendly, Energetic
Formality Level: ⭐⭐ Casual
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- let’s do this
- okay, let’s do this
- ready to do this
- let’s do this together
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “All right, let’s do this.”
- Professional: Suitable for an informal team.
- Casual: “We’re ready. Let’s do this!”
15. Phrase: Here We Go
Meaning: This signals that something is about to begin.
Explanation: “Here we go” is informal and expressive. It is common before starting an activity, event, journey, performance, or exciting task.
Example Sentence: “The presentation is ready here we go.”
Best Use: Informal Settings
Avoid Using In: Formal Reports
Tone: Casual, Energetic
Formality Level: ⭐⭐ Casual
Usage Frequency: Very Common
CEFR Level: B1
Common Collocations:
- here we go
- and here we go
- here we go again
- here we go!
Context Variability:
- Spoken: “Okay, here we go.”
- Professional: Possible in a relaxed team, but not ideal for a formal presentation.
- Casual: “Everyone ready? Here we go!”
Native Speaker Tip
“Let’s begin” remains the most versatile choice when you want professional English without sounding stiff. “Let’s proceed” is more formal, while “Let’s do this” and “Here we go” are much more conversational.
Expert Insight
A useful rule is to match the expression to the relationship. A client presentation may call for “Let’s begin,” while an internal creative meeting could comfortably use “Let’s kick things off.” Good professional English is often about appropriate tone, not maximum formality.
Avoid These in Formal Situations
Some expressions are understandable but can sound too casual or playful in formal communication:
- “Let’s get this party started.” Too playful for most professional settings.
Better: “Let’s begin.” - “Let’s get the ball rolling.” Friendly and idiomatic, but less formal.
Better: “Let’s move forward.” - “Let’s do this!” Energetic but very conversational.
Better: “Let’s begin.” - “Here we go!” Expressive and informal.
Better: “We can begin.” - “Let’s dive right in!” Common in relaxed presentations but not ideal for highly formal writing.
Better: “Let’s turn our attention to the first topic.”
Best Phrases by Situation
| Situation | Best Phrase |
| Business Email | We can get started on |
| Client Meeting | Let’s begin. |
| Academic Essay | Let us consider |
| Presentation | We’ll start with |
| Workplace Discussion | Let’s begin. |
| Job Interview | I’d like to begin by |
| Team Collaboration | Let’s kick things off. |
| Everyday Conversation | Let’s get going. |
See Also
- Other Ways to Say “Good Job” Build a wider range of natural praise expressions for work, school, and everyday English.
- Professional English Guide Learn how to adjust vocabulary and tone for emails, meetings, presentations, and workplace conversations.
Which One Should You Use?
Best Overall
Let’s begin is a clear, natural option that works across professional and everyday situations.
Best Professional
Let’s begin sounds polished without becoming unnecessarily formal.
Best Academic
Let us consider works particularly well when introducing an idea, argument, or topic in formal academic language.
Best Business Email
We can get started on is useful when describing the next action in a project.
Best Everyday Conversation
Let’s get going sounds natural when you are ready to start an activity.
Most Natural
Let’s get started itself remains extremely natural, so you do not need to replace it every time.
Most Polite
Shall we begin? politely invites others to start rather than directly telling them to do so.
Top 10 Alternatives Compared
| Phrase | Tone | Formality | Best Use | Frequency |
| Let’s begin | Professional | Formal | Meetings | Very Common |
| Shall we begin? | Polite | Formal | Formal meetings | Common |
| Let’s get underway | Polished | Formal | Projects | Common |
| We can get started | Collaborative | Neutral | Teams | Very Common |
| Let’s kick things off | Energetic | Neutral | Team meetings | Very Common |
| Let’s get going | Casual | Casual | Daily conversation | Very Common |
| Let’s start | Direct | Neutral | General use | Very Common |
| Let’s move forward | Confident | Formal | Business | Common |
| We’ll start with | Organized | Neutral | Presentations | Very Common |
| Let’s dive in | Energetic | Neutral | Workshops | Common |
Commonly Confused Phrases
“Let’s start” vs. “Let’s begin”
Both mean that something should start. “Let’s begin” sounds slightly more polished, while “Let’s start” is simpler and more direct.
“Let’s begin” vs. “Let’s proceed”
“Begin” focuses on starting. “Proceed” often means continuing to the next step or stage.
“Let’s get started” vs. “Let’s kick things off”
Both can open an activity. “Let’s kick things off” is more energetic and idiomatic, so it fits informal workplace communication better than highly formal writing.
“Let’s move forward” vs. “Let’s get started”
“Get started” means beginning. “Move forward” usually suggests progressing after a decision, discussion, or earlier stage.
Scenario Practice
1. Business Meeting
Situation: You are opening a formal meeting with a client.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “Let’s begin.”
It is professional, clear, and unlikely to sound too casual.
2. Job Interview
Situation: You are asked to introduce your presentation.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “I’d like to begin by”
This sounds organized and professional while clearly introducing your first point.
3. Team Presentation
Situation: You are presenting to familiar coworkers.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “Let’s kick things off with”
The phrase adds energy while remaining acceptable in many relaxed workplace environments.
4. Class Discussion
Situation: A teacher wants students to start discussing the first question.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “Let’s begin with the first question.”
It gives students a clear starting point.
5. Email Reply
Situation: A project has received final approval.
Which phrase would you choose?
Answer: “We can get started on the next phase.”
This clearly connects the approval to the next action.
Mini Quiz
1. Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal meeting?
A. Let’s do this!
B. Here we go!
C. Shall we begin?
D. Let’s roll.
Answer: C
2. Which expression sounds most casual?
A. Let’s proceed.
B. Let’s begin.
C. Let’s get going.
D. Shall we begin?
Answer: C
3. Which phrase best suggests continuing to the next stage?
A. Let’s move forward.
B. Here we go.
C. Let’s get going.
D. Let’s start.
Answer: A
4. Which phrase is particularly useful for introducing the first presentation topic?
A. We’ll start with
B. Let’s roll.
C. Here we go.
D. Let’s do this.
Answer: A
5. Which phrase is energetic and common in informal workplace communication?
A. Let us proceed.
B. Let’s kick things off.
C. Let us commence.
D. We shall proceed.
Answer: B
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most formal way to say “let’s get started”?
“Let’s proceed” is among the more formal alternatives, particularly when you are moving to a defined next step. However, “Shall we begin?” can sound more natural and polite in a formal meeting. For most professional situations, “Let’s begin” provides a better balance between formality and natural English.
Which phrase is best for professional emails?
The best choice depends on what you are starting. “We can get started on” works well when discussing an action or project, while “Let’s move forward with” is useful after a decision or approval. A specific phrase is usually stronger than simply repeating “Let’s get started.”
What is the difference between “let’s begin” and “let’s kick things off”?
Both can introduce an activity, but their tone differs. “Let’s begin” is neutral and professional, making it suitable for formal meetings and presentations. “Let’s kick things off” is more energetic and conversational. It is common in friendly workplaces, team meetings, workshops, and events.
Which alternative sounds most natural?
“Let’s begin,” “Let’s start,” and “We can get started” are all highly natural. The best choice depends on the sentence around them. Native speakers do not always replace “Let’s get started”; they choose alternatives when a different tone or structure communicates the situation better.
Can I use these expressions in business meetings?
Yes. Many of these expressions work well in business meetings, but their suitability depends on the meeting’s tone. “Let’s begin” is broadly appropriate, while “Let’s kick things off” suits a more relaxed team culture. Highly formal expressions such as “Let’s proceed” may sound more procedural.
Conclusion
Learning different ways to say “let’s get started” gives you more control over your English. “Let’s begin” can sound polished and professional, “Shall we begin?” adds polite formality, and “Let’s kick things off” brings friendly energy. Other choices, such as “Let’s move forward,” “We’ll start with,” and “Let’s get going,” communicate slightly different meanings and tones.
The goal is not to replace a perfectly natural phrase every time. Instead, notice your audience, setting, and purpose before choosing your words. Practice these alternatives in conversations, emails, meetings, presentations, and professional writing. With regular use, your English will become more flexible, precise, and confident.
