it is only starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is only starting" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form would be "it is just starting" or "it is only the beginning." Example: "The project is still in its early stages; it is only starting to gain traction."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But, he adds, now that America's economy is slowing, Nomura needs to tread carefully before making a push abroad.Given that Nomura faces weak stockmarkets at home and that it is only starting to build up its businesses in Asia and America, where will it find profits?

The Economist

While the technology is not new, it is only starting to be used in housing in Britain.

The Guardian - Money

That is because the vaccine's effectiveness wanes after about a decade, and although there is now a new vaccine for adolescents and adults, it is only starting to come into use.

The New York Times

But while digital has permeated everything from our social lives to how we work and how we shop, it is only starting to touch how we manage health.

TechCrunch

It is only starting from the 1990s that genetic and immunological aspects have been focused on.

BioMed Research International

It is only starting from the 1990s that genetic and immunological aspects shared by IBDs and psoriasis have been focused on.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Now it's only starting to come back, and it's mostly higher end.

The New York Times

The farmers' market supplies salad greens when it's only starting to get warm.

The New York Times - Books

While an estimated four million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, studies to determine the incidence of this milder disease that precedes it are only starting.

The New York Times

It's only starting to allow outside advertisers to buy space on the site, meaning there's plenty of potential for its revenues to grow.

TechCrunch

We've seen how dirty weed can be when it's traded as an illegal drug, but it's only starting to get dirty in the open market.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the early stages of a project or initiative, consider using more grammatically standard phrases like "it is just starting" or "it is only the beginning" for clearer communication.

Common error

While "it is only starting" is sometimes used, it's best to opt for more conventional phrasing like "it is just starting" to maintain grammatical correctness and avoid potential misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is only starting" primarily functions as a descriptive statement indicating the nascent stage of an event, process, or trend. Though Ludwig indicates that the phrase is incorrect, it's used to convey that something has just begun and is in its initial phase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is only starting" aims to convey that something is in its early stages. However, Ludwig analysis indicates that this phrase isn't considered standard English. Although the phrase appears in various contexts, including News & Media and Science, it's more appropriate to opt for grammatically sound alternatives like "it is just starting" or "it is only beginning". Using more conventional phrases can lead to clearer and more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is just beginning

Emphasizes the commencement of an event or process, focusing on the initial action.

it is in its infancy

Highlights the early stage of development, implying potential for growth and maturity.

it is just getting underway

Indicates the commencement of an activity or project, stressing the initial momentum.

it is in the initial phase

Focuses on the specific stage of a project or development, highlighting its early progress.

it is merely commencing

Stresses the simple and recent start of something, often implying a lack of significant progress yet.

it is in its early days

Highlights the novelty and potential uncertainty associated with a new endeavor.

it is only getting off the ground

Indicates the initial and often challenging phase of starting a project or initiative.

it is still in the early stages

Emphasizes the incomplete nature of a process, with much development still to come.

it is nascent

A more formal way to describe something newly born or in its early stages of development.

it is embryonic

Highlights the very early and undeveloped state of something, suggesting future potential.

FAQs

What's a more grammatically sound alternative to "it is only starting"?

More grammatically accepted alternatives include "it is just starting" or "it is only beginning".

Is "it is only starting" considered grammatically correct in English?

According to Ludwig, the phrase "it is only starting" is not correct in standard written English. It is recommended to use "it is just starting" instead.

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

While "it is only starting" might be understood, it's better to rephrase. For example, instead of "The trend is only starting", use "The trend "is just starting"".

What are some nuanced alternatives to "it is only starting" to indicate something is in its early phase?

You could use phrases like "it is in its infancy", "it is just getting underway", or "it is in the initial phase" to convey specific aspects of something being in its beginning stages.