he was starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was starting" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is the past progressive tense of the verb "to start," indicating an ongoing action that was happening at a specific point in the past. Example: He was starting to get worried as the deadline for his project approached.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was starting again.

The New Yorker

He was starting to imagine things.

The New Yorker

By his junior year, he was starting.

The New York Times - Sports

Now he was starting to worry.

The New York Times

He was starting to trust me.

The New Yorker

He was starting something new".

The New York Times

He was starting to shiver uncontrollably.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was starting to get abusive.

The Guardian

After 20, he was starting to sag.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was starting a new life, again.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He was started on intravenous fluids.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs to replace "starting" if the context allows for a more precise description of the action, such as "launching", "initiating", or "commencing".

Common error

Avoid using "he was starting" when the action is completed. Use the simple past tense "he started" instead if the action has finished.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was starting" functions as the past continuous tense of the verb "start". This indicates an action that was in progress at a specific point in the past. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was starting" is a grammatically correct and versatile construction used to describe an action in progress in the past. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and numerous examples from news and media sources illustrate its widespread usage. While appropriate for various contexts, it is crucial to ensure the tense aligns with the intended meaning, distinguishing it from the simple past tense "he started". Consider related phrases like "he was beginning" or "he was commencing" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was commencing

This alternative highlights the formal beginning of an action or process.

he was initiating

This alternative emphasizes the act of setting something in motion or beginning a process.

he was embarking on

This phrase suggests a more adventurous or significant undertaking.

he was getting underway

This alternative focuses on the process of beginning a journey or activity.

he was setting out

Similar to embarking, this suggests a deliberate start toward a goal.

he was launching

This phrase is often used when referring to the beginning of a project, product or initiative.

he was pioneering

This alternative emphasizes innovation and being the first to do something.

he was in the process of beginning

A more descriptive alternative, emphasizing the progression towards the start.

he turned to starting

This alternative highlights the shift in focus or action toward beginning something.

he felt the need to start

Expresses the internal motivation or decision to begin something.

FAQs

How do I use "he was starting" in a sentence?

Use "he was starting" to describe an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past. For instance, "He was starting to feel tired after running for an hour".

What can I say instead of "he was starting"?

You can use alternatives like "he was beginning", "he was commencing", or "he was initiating" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "he was starting" or "he started"?

"He was starting" describes an ongoing action in the past, while "he started" describes a completed action. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timing of the action.

What is the difference between "he was starting" and "he began starting"?

"He was starting" is more concise and commonly used. "He began starting" can be used for emphasis or to indicate a more deliberate beginning, but it might sound redundant in some contexts.