establishing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "establishing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of setting up, creating, or initiating something, such as a relationship, system, or process. Example: "The team is focused on establishing a strong foundation for the project to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Establishing lofty goals is one thing, but translating them into action through the establishment of successful public policies is different.

The Guardian

Although universities would be free to weight marks how they wished and also decide on whether to include marks for first-year students, the report stressed the importance of establishing a universal approach to GPA.

The Guardian

In its rebuttal, Barclays said: "Fundamentally, the complaint fails to identify any fraud – establishing no material misstatements, no identified victims, and no actual harm".

The Guardian - Business

Mamonov credits Kazantip, a month-long rave on the Black Sea, for establishing the scene in the region.

The Guardian

Think of the outrage of the trendy set in Hampstead when news broke a few years ago that McDonald's was establishing a branch in their hip corner of north London.

The Guardian

Dapaah and her co-founders have trained more than 35 people to make the bikes and are establishing two new workshops outside Kumasi, in the Brong Ahafo region, which will employ around 50 more youths.

The Guardian

"His vision was instrumental in establishing the process that has led to the Good Friday Agreement and I would personally like to thank him for his tireless efforts to realise that vision," continued the prime minister.

The Guardian

I am not suggesting a repeat of the Cinematograph Films Act of 1927, a vain attempt to counter Hollywood influence by establishing British film quotas, which resulted in the production of numerous "quota quickies", low-budget films with little regard for quality that reached very few people.

The Guardian

Opportunity Now has set out recommendations for employers on tackling bullying and harassment, including training managers, establishing more informal reporting mechanisms and monitoring the diversity of employees bringing complaints.

The Guardian

Birdwatcher and blogger David Lindo has had an idea that might unify the nation at election time: establishing a national bird.

The Guardian - Travel

The watchdog has rejected these ideas, which include setting up a comparison website, establishing new account opening standards, and making it easier to compare accounts.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "establishing" when you want to emphasize the foundational or initial phase of creating something lasting and significant.

Common error

Avoid using "establishing" in overly passive sentences that obscure the actor. Instead of "a framework is being established", prefer "the team is establishing a framework" to highlight agency and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "establishing" is that of a present participle or gerund, typically used to form continuous verb tenses or as a verbal noun. Ludwig AI examples show it describing ongoing actions or processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "establishing" is a versatile verb form that functions primarily as a present participle or gerund, denoting the action of setting up, creating, or initiating something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use. It is most commonly found in news media and formal business contexts. While "establishing" is generally neutral in register, mindful writers should avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain clarity and highlight agency. By using alternative phrases like "setting up" or "creating", writers can enhance precision and impact. Remember to consider the context to choose the most appropriate verb and ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

setting up

Changes the verb to a phrasal verb with a similar meaning, emphasizing the act of putting something in place.

creating

Offers a more general term for bringing something into existence, suitable for a wide range of contexts.

founding

Implies a more formal and permanent establishment, often used for institutions or organizations.

instituting

Suggests the introduction of a new rule, system, or policy.

initiating

Focuses on the commencement or beginning of a process or activity.

building

Highlights the gradual construction or development of something over time.

developing

Emphasizes the process of growth and improvement in the creation of something.

launching

Suggests a public introduction or start of a new product, service, or initiative.

forming

Indicates the bringing together of elements to create a cohesive whole.

organizing

Focuses on structuring and arranging elements into a systematic order.

FAQs

How can I use "establishing" in a sentence?

You can use "establishing" to describe the act of setting up or creating something, such as "establishing a new company", "establishing a connection", or "establishing rules".

What are some alternatives to "establishing"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "setting up", "creating", or "founding".

Is there a difference between "establishing" and "creating"?

"Establishing" often implies a more formal or structured setup, while "creating" is a more general term for bringing something into existence. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it more appropriate to use "establishing" over another similar verb?

Use "establishing" when you want to emphasize the act of laying a solid foundation or initiating something with the intent of making it permanent or long-lasting, as opposed to merely "starting" or "beginning" something.