are just starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are just starting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is beginning or has recently begun, often in a context where the timing is relevant. Example: "We are just starting our project, so we have plenty of time to make adjustments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others are just starting.

The Economist

"His kids are just starting high school.

The New Yorker

The women are just starting to eddy.

The New York Times - Food

We are just starting to do this.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The kids are just starting with movies.

The New York Times

"But we are just starting".

The New York Times

"I'm happy the playoffs are just starting".

The New York Times - Sports

The recent reports are just starting points.

The Guardian

"I feel like we are just starting".

The New York Times - Arts

Many are just starting to break even.

The Washington Post

If you are just starting as a puzzle solver, welcome!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are just starting" to emphasize the novelty or potential of an action. This can add excitement or a sense of anticipation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "are just starting" when describing something that has already been ongoing for a significant period. This can mislead your audience about the true stage of development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are just starting" functions as a progressive verb phrase, indicating that an action or state is in its initial stages and is ongoing. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are just starting" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile expression used to indicate that something is in its initial phase. As shown by Ludwig, it enjoys widespread use across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "are just starting", it's essential to ensure that the described action is indeed recent, preventing any misleading claims of progress. Alternatives such as "have only just begun" and "are merely beginning" offer similar meanings with subtle differences that can enhance precision. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a very common term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have only just begun

Highlights that something has recently commenced and is expected to continue.

are merely beginning

Emphasizes the slightness or insignificance of the beginning stage.

are newly underway

Implies that something has recently started and is progressing.

are at the initial phase

Focuses on the specific stage of being at the start of something.

are in the opening stages

Similar to initial phase, but emphasizes that there are distinct stages.

are commencing now

Indicates an action that is beginning at the present moment.

are getting off the ground

An idiomatic expression indicating the beginning of a project or venture.

are in their infancy

Highlights that something is new and undeveloped.

are taking their first steps

Conveys a sense of newness and inexperience.

are breaking ground

Suggests the initial work of starting a new project or activity.

FAQs

What does "are just starting" mean?

The phrase "are just starting" means that something is in its initial phase or has recently begun. It emphasizes the beginning of an action or process.

How can I use "are just starting" in a sentence?

You can use "are just starting" to describe the early stages of a project, a new experience, or a developing situation. For example: "They "are just starting" to learn to play the piano."

What can I say instead of "are just starting"?

You can use alternatives like "have only just begun", "are merely beginning", or "are at the initial phase" depending on the context.

Is it different to say "are just starting" versus "have just started"?

Yes, "are just starting" indicates a continuous action that is currently in its initial phase, while "have just started" implies a completed action that began very recently. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the ongoing nature or the recent beginning.