it is only beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is only beginning" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to convey that something has just started and there is much more to come. Here is an example sentence: The pandemic has disrupted our lives in ways we could never have imagined, but we must remember that it is only beginning and there will be many challenges ahead of us.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The Hong Kong government has announced that it, too, will shut down its ivory outlets — but not until 2021 — and it is only beginning to negotiate details.

The New Yorker

"It is only beginning".

The New York Times

And still it is only beginning.

The Washington Post

If the ladybugs are making a comeback, it is only beginning.

The New York Times - Science

For the moment though, it is only beginning to be partially understood.

The New York Times - Arts

Of course, it is a gamble he admits, and it is only beginning to pay off.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"This war is well begun, but it is only begun.

The New York Times

Our war on terror is well begun, but it is only begun.

The New York Times

But it was only beginning its most extraordinary phase.

Independent

"It's only beginning".

The New York Times

In fact, it was only beginning.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is only beginning" to signal that while something has started, the major developments or impacts are yet to come. This sets an expectation for future developments and can be used to build anticipation or manage expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "it is only beginning" when significant progress has already been made. This phrase is best suited for situations where the initial phase is truly just commencing, and the bulk of the work or impact is still ahead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is only beginning" functions as a comment on the early stage of an event or process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its utility in conveying that much more is to come. As shown in examples, it often anticipates future developments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is only beginning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that something has just started and much more development is expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate across various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. When using this phrase, remember to emphasize the early stage of progress and set appropriate expectations for future advancements. Alternatives like "it has only just begun" or "it is just starting" can be used to achieve similar effects, but "it is only beginning" is particularly useful for highlighting the initial nature of the commencement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has only just begun

Replaces "is" with "has" and adds "just", emphasizing the very recent start.

it's merely starting

Substitutes "only beginning" with "merely starting", indicating an initial phase.

it's just getting started

Emphasizes the initiation aspect and future continuation.

it is in its early stages

Replaces the phrase with a more descriptive expression of being in an initial period.

it's only the start

Simplifies the phrase, highlighting that it is the commencement point.

it's in its infancy

Uses a metaphor to convey the idea of being at a very early stage of development.

it's at the dawn of

Metaphorically suggests the very beginning of something, like the start of a new day.

it's only breaking ground

Implies that the foundational work has just commenced.

it's in the preliminary phase

Uses formal language to indicate that it is in the initial exploratory period.

it's just unfolding

Focuses on the unfolding or revealing aspect of something that is newly starting.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is only beginning" to indicate that something has just started and that more significant developments are expected in the future. For example, "The project has launched, but "it is only beginning", and we anticipate many challenges ahead".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is only beginning"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is just starting", "it is in its early stages", or "it has only just begun", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is only beginning" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is only beginning" is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "it is only beginning" and "it has just begun"?

While both phrases indicate that something has started recently, "it is only beginning" emphasizes that the initial phase is very early and much more development is expected. "It has just begun" simply states that something has started without necessarily highlighting future developments.