Let's get started vs We'd like to get started

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Let's get started

Top 2,000 (common)

We'd like to get started

Top 2,000 (common)
 Let's get startedWe'd like to get started
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //lɛts ɡɛt ˈstɑːtɪd//🇺🇸 //lɛts ɡɛt ˈstɑrtɪd//🇬🇧 //wiːd laɪk tə ɡɛt ˈstɑːtɪd//🇺🇸 //wid laɪk tə ɡɛt ˈstɑrtəd//
MeaningLet's begin or start something.We want to begin now.
ExampleAlright everyone, let's get started on the presentation.After a brief introduction, we'd like to get started on today's agenda.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
Collocationsget started on, get started with, let's get movingget started right away, get started on the project, get started with the presentation
AntonymsLet's stop, Let's finish, Let's quit, Let's endWe'd like to stop, We'd like to finish, We'd like to delay
Common mistakesUsing 'lets' instead of 'let's' which is a contraction., Confusing with 'let us' which is more formal., Saying 'let us get started' can sound overly formal in casual settings.Using 'we'd like' in overly formal situations., Confusing with 'we want to get started' which is more direct., Neglecting to use 'we' when addressing a group.
Usage notesUse in both formal and informal contexts to invite others to begin. Avoid in very casual settings.Use this phrase in meetings or discussions to express readiness to begin. It's polite and not overly formal.

See it in real clips

Let's get started
We'd like to get started

Frequently asked questions: Let's get started vs We'd like to get started

What's the difference between Let's get started and We'd like to get started?

Let's get started: Let's begin or start something. We'd like to get started: We want to begin now.

Can you show an example of each?

Let's get started: Alright everyone, let's get started on the presentation. We'd like to get started: After a brief introduction, we'd like to get started on today's agenda.

Can I use Let's get started and We'd like to get started interchangeably?

Not always. Let's get started and We'd like to get started are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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