has only just started

USAGE SUMMARY

'has only just started' is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use this expression to indicate that something has recently begun. For example, you can say, "She has only just started her new job, so she's still learning the ropes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This has only just started".

The Guardian

HSBC has only just started shedding assets.

Independent

But the endgame has only just started.

The New Yorker

The adventure has only just started.

The Guardian - Travel

"Our struggle has only just started," he said.

The Guardian

Andy has only just started talking about this.

The Guardian

The season has only just started and can be very good.

Independent

He points out that the surge has only just started there.

The Economist

It has only just started, but rich and poor alike should hope that it succeeds.

The Economist

That striving for coexistence has only just started in Sarajevo and Belfast.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the restructuring of the investment bank has only just started.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has only just started", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject directly after the phrase, for example: "The project has only just started, so don't expect immediate results."

Common error

Avoid using "has only just started" when the event or process has actually been ongoing for a considerable amount of time. This phrase implies a recent commencement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has only just started" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the beginning of an action or state. It signifies that something is in its initial stages. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has only just started" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something has recently begun. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, reinforcing its acceptability in both formal and informal contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources, where it serves to inform about the early stages of a developing situation. When employing this phrase, ensure the timeframe and subject are clear to avoid ambiguity. While perfectly acceptable, consider alternatives such as "has recently begun" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has recently begun

Focuses on the recency of the start, emphasizing the immediate past.

is just beginning

Simple and direct, indicating the commencement of something.

is in its infancy

Highlights the early developmental stage of something.

is in the early stages

Emphasizes the initial phase of a process or activity.

is only at the beginning

Emphasizes the position at the start of a longer process.

has barely begun

Stresses that very little progress has been made since the start.

has just commenced

Uses a more formal term for starting, emphasizing the initiation.

is in its initial phase

Highlights the start up phase of a project.

is newly underway

Highlights that the activity is in progress but new.

is fresh out of the gate

Idiomatic expression highlighting the very start of an endeavor.

FAQs

How can I use "has only just started" in a sentence?

Use "has only just started" to indicate that something has recently begun. For example, "The investigation "has only just started", so it's too early to draw conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "has only just started"?

You can use alternatives like "has recently begun", "is in its infancy", or "is just beginning" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "has only just started" in formal writing?

Yes, "has only just started" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might prefer "has recently commenced".

What's the difference between "has only just started" and "has already started"?

"Has only just started" emphasizes the newness or early stage of something, while "has already started" indicates that something has begun and is in progress, regardless of how long it has been.