it's starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's starting" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe the beginning of an event, action, or process. Example: "I could feel the excitement in the air as the concert was about to begin. Suddenly, the lights dimmed and the music started playing. It's starting, I thought to myself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's starting.

The New Yorker

"It's starting again".

The New York Times

"It's starting," Ms. Callaway said.

The New York Times

And it's starting to work.

The New York Times

It's starting to get dark.

The New Yorker

It's starting in five minutes!

The New Yorker

8.30pm: Ooh, it's starting!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's starting, isn't it?

The Guardian - Sport

And it's starting now.

The Guardian

It's starting to calcify.

The New York Times - Sports

It's starting to grow on me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's starting" to create a sense of immediacy or anticipation. It's particularly effective when describing events that are about to unfold or changes that are beginning to occur.

Common error

While "it's starting" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "the process is commencing" or "the project is initiating" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's starting" primarily functions as a declarative statement, indicating the commencement of an event, process, or state. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and the examples show it introducing observations or announcements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's starting" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the beginning of an event or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Primarily found in News & Media, it serves to inform or signal the commencement of something. While versatile, it’s best to consider the context; although Ludwig's examples show it is correct to use "it's starting", formal situations might benefit from more precise alternatives to maintain a professional tone. The wealth of examples provided by Ludwig underscore its widespread acceptability and practical application in everyday communication. The phrase carries a neutral register, therefore it may be used in diverse source domains from journalistic to professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is beginning

Direct synonym, focusing on the initial phase.

things are getting started

Emphasizes the action of beginning a series of events or tasks.

it is commencing

Formal alternative, emphasizing the beginning of something.

it is initiating

Emphasizes the act of setting something in motion.

it is getting underway

Highlights the launch or initiation of an activity.

it is getting going

Focuses on the process of starting and gaining momentum.

it is kicking off

Informal expression, suitable for events or projects.

it is setting in

Highlights the establishment or gradual onset of a condition or feeling.

the onset is happening

Scientific or medical context, referring to the start of a condition.

the process is activating

Highlights the start of a process or a mechanism.

FAQs

How can I use "it's starting" in a sentence?

You can use "it's starting" to indicate the beginning of an event, activity, or process. For example, "The movie is about to begin, it's starting now", or "The rain is intensifying, it's starting to flood the streets."

What can I say instead of "it's starting"?

You can use alternatives like "it is beginning", "it is commencing", or "it is getting underway" depending on the context.

Is "it's starting" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it's starting" may be too informal for some formal writing contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "the process is commencing" or "the project is initiating" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "it's starting" and "it has started"?

"It's starting" refers to something that is currently in the process of beginning. "It has started" implies that something has already begun and is in progress. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the initial phase or the ongoing action.