it is beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is beginning" is a correct usage of English.
You can use this phrase to indicate the start of an event or process. For example: "The sun is setting and it is beginning to get colder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is beginning its 27th year without a recession, not its 27th month.

The New York Times

Is that trend shifting at all? Erik Altieri: It is beginning to shift.

Vice

It is beginning to show its age.

The New York Times

But there are signs that it is beginning to realise its potential.

The Economist

It is beginning to develop its own programming.

TechCrunch

Some note that it is beginning to miss its fiscal and structural targets.

BBC

Apply a light solvent to restore the varnish if it is beginning to show its age.

WikiHow

It is beginning.

The Economist

It is beginning to happen.

The Economist

And it is beginning to do so.

The Economist

It is beginning to work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is beginning" to clearly and simply indicate the start of an action or process. Its straightforward nature makes it suitable for diverse contexts.

Common error

Ensure that the context clearly defines what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can arise if the subject is not explicitly stated or easily inferred from the surrounding text. For example, instead of saying "It is beginning to fail", specify "The project is beginning to fail".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is beginning" functions as an introductory clause, typically followed by an infinitive phrase to describe an action that is starting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express the commencement of an event or process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

9%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is beginning" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the start of an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its neutrality makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to general conversations. While alternatives exist to add nuance or formality, "it is beginning" remains a clear and direct way to express the commencement of something. Pay attention to ensure clarity regarding the subject, especially in complex sentences, to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is starting

This alternative directly replaces "beginning" with "starting", maintaining nearly identical meaning and implication.

it is commencing

Using "commencing" provides a more formal tone than "beginning", suitable for professional contexts.

it is coming into effect

Emphasizes the activation or implementation of a rule, law, or plan.

it is getting underway

This phrase emphasizes the initiation of a process or activity, suggesting movement and progress.

it is emerging

Suggests something is coming into view or becoming known, often used for trends or developments.

it is taking shape

Focuses on the development aspect, indicating that something is gradually forming or becoming apparent.

it is unfolding

Implies a gradual revelation or development, like a story or plan.

it is inceptive

This offers a technical or specialized nuance related to grammatical terms.

it is dawning

Suggests a realization or understanding is starting to emerge.

it is kicking off

An informal way to describe the start of something, often used in sports or event contexts.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "it is beginning"?

Alternatives include "it is starting", "it is commencing", or "it is getting underway", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

How can I use "it is beginning" in a sentence?

"It is beginning" can be used to indicate the start of an action or a state. For example, "It is beginning to rain", or "It is beginning to make sense".

Is "it is beginning" formal or informal?

"It is beginning" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, alternatives like "it is commencing" might be preferred in more formal settings.

What's the difference between "it is beginning" and "it begins"?

"It is beginning" implies a continuous or ongoing start, while "it begins" suggests a more definitive or immediate start. For example, "The meeting is beginning" suggests it's in the process of starting, whereas "The meeting begins at 9 AM" states a specific start time.