are we starting

USAGE SUMMARY

'Are we starting' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used in casual conversations to ask if an event or activity is beginning or about to begin. For example: "Are we starting the presentation now?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

They're already nagging me: 'When are we starting?

The Guardian

Only now are we starting to see the full extent of the damage.

The Economist

If their adult lives will always be rush-rush-rush, why are we starting our children so early?

The New York Times

It's an age of astonishing technological progress — but are we starting to have a harder time coming up with new ideas?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Yet the steps required to increase awareness and country ownership of maps are journeys in themselves, and only now are we starting to develop this blueprint.

The Guardian

Only now, with the piecing together of her archive and the printing of her long-neglected negatives, are we starting to see the complete Lee Miller, a marvel of courage and inventiveness.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"The problem was we started very slowly.

BBC

"The problem is we are starting from a low base.

BBC

That's where we are, starting today.

Huffington Post

And that's where we're starting the cheese.

Cornell University

"That's how we started.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are we starting", ensure the context provides clarity on what is being started. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the activity if needed.

Common error

Avoid using "are we starting" when the subject is already explicitly clear. For instance, instead of saying, "Since everyone is here, are we starting the meeting?" simply ask, "Shall we start the meeting?" for better flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are we starting" functions primarily as an interrogative clause. It is used to ask a question about the commencement of an activity, event, or process. As seen in Ludwig, it directly seeks confirmation or information about the beginning of something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are we starting" is a grammatically correct and frequently used interrogative phrase for inquiring about the commencement of an event or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, noting its common application in casual conversations. Although the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's often used in news, academic, and scientific contexts. For more formal scenarios, alternatives like "shall we commence?" may be more appropriate. When using "are we starting", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity about what is being initiated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Shall we begin?

Implies a suggestion or polite inquiry about starting.

Are we ready to commence?

A more formal way of asking if the start is imminent.

Do we start now?

Direct question about initiating something immediately.

Is it time to start?

Inquires if the designated time to begin has arrived.

Are we going to start?

Asks about the intention to begin, possibly after a delay.

Should we get started?

Suggests beginning and invites agreement.

Are we set to begin?

Questions if preparations for starting are complete.

Is it starting?

Focuses on whether something is in the process of beginning.

Ready to start?

An informal way to ask if everyone is prepared to begin.

When do we start?

Seeks information about the specific time of commencement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are we starting" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases such as "Shall we commence?", "Are we ready to begin?", or "Is it time to initiate the proceedings?"

What is the difference between "are we starting" and "have we started"?

"Are we starting" inquires if an activity is about to begin, while "have we started" asks if the activity has already begun.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "are we starting"?

The phrase itself is grammatically sound. However, avoid using it when the context makes it redundant or when a more specific question would be clearer.

What are some informal alternatives to "are we starting"?

Informal alternatives include "ready to go?", "should we get this show on the road?", or simply "let's start".