is being started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is being started" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it when referring to an action that has already begun and is still in progress. Example: The new school year is being started with an exciting assembly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

A similar scheme is being started in Newham in January.

The Guardian

Another 66-unit development, not yet named, is being started by Fairfield in Port Jefferson.

The New York Times

The unit, named DDB Remedy, is being started by the New York offices of DDB Worldwide and Tribal DDB Worldwide.

The New York Times

Mr. Hahn was named chief executive of the fund, which is being started by Chadwick Saylor & Co.

The New York Times

A similar tracking effort is being started at Faces, but efforts to determine the status of lapsed patients are not always successful.

The New York Times - Health

The next set of funding agreements is being started upon this autumn, which is always unnerving, and particularly in this climate.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

New relief efforts are being started in New York every day.

The New York Times

Mines have closed and fewer new projects are being started.

The New York Times

Simultaneously, more spectacular railroad tunnels were being started through the Alps.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Norman Brownstein joined the Global Crossing board in May 2000 just as ITU was being started.

The New York Times

At the Securities and Exchange Commission, accounting investigations are being started at a record rate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is being started" when you want to emphasize that the action of starting is already in progress. For example, "The project is being started despite the challenges."

Common error

Avoid using "is being started" when you mean to say something will start in the future. Instead of "The meeting is being started tomorrow", use "The meeting will be started tomorrow" or "The meeting starts tomorrow".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is being started" functions as a present continuous passive construction. It indicates that an action is currently in the process of being initiated. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples showing its role in describing ongoing beginnings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is being started" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction in the English language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a present continuous passive, denoting that an action is currently in progress. It commonly appears in news, science, and formal business contexts. While versatile, remember that alternatives like "is commencing" or "is initiating" can offer a more precise nuance depending on your intended meaning. Be mindful of tense to avoid misusing it for future actions, and you'll be well-equipped to employ the phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is commencing

Replaces "being started" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the beginning.

is initiating

Similar to "is commencing", but implies a more deliberate and planned start.

is getting underway

Idiomatic alternative suggesting the beginning of a process or activity.

is kicking off

Informal phrase indicating the start of something, often an event or project.

is being launched

Suggests a more public and formal commencement, often used for products or initiatives.

is setting in motion

Implies the beginning of a series of events or actions.

is taking off

Suggests a rapid or successful start.

is being activated

Used when something is made active or operational.

is springing up

Suggests a sudden or spontaneous beginning.

is embarking on

Implies the start of a journey or endeavor.

FAQs

How can I use "is being started" in a sentence?

The phrase "is being started" indicates an action that is currently in the process of beginning. For example, "The investigation "is being started" by the authorities".

What are some alternatives to "is being started"?

You can use alternatives such as "is commencing", "is initiating", or "is getting underway" depending on the context.

Is "is being started" grammatically correct?

Yes, "is being started" is grammatically correct. It's a present continuous passive construction, indicating an action that is currently in progress.

What is the difference between "is being started" and "will be started"?

"Is being started" refers to an action that is already in progress, whereas "will be started" refers to an action that will begin in the future. For example, "The process "is being started" now" vs. "The process "will be started" next week".