it is to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is to start" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express the beginning of an action or event, but it lacks context and clarity. Example: "It is to start the meeting at 10 AM."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The US Federal Reserve has announced it is to start scaling back its massive stimulus programme in an effort to boost the US economy.

BBC

It has already announced it is to start charging £5 a month for its previously free sports channels.

The Guardian - Money

The only way to truly understand life as we know it is to start with the understanding that everything does contain its opposite.

HuffPost

It is, to start with, highly profitable.

The Economist

I understand how hard it is to start a small business".

The New York Times

"The only way to get at it is to start looking," she said.

The New York Times - Science

It is to start stocking brand name foods from next month.

The Guardian - Business

The younger you are, the easier it is to start making money on your own.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The problem now is not to state a vision; it is to start talking.

The New York Times

"It's as much a risk to start Johnny as it is to start anyone else.

The Guardian - Sport

What this kind of data tells you is how easy it is to start a business in different countries.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, replace "it is to start" with more precise phrases like "it will start", "it is going to start", or "it is scheduled to start".

Common error

Avoid using "it is to start" when a more direct and active construction clarifies the intended meaning. A passive or roundabout phrase can obscure your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is to start" functions as an infinitive phrase indicating a future action or event. Ludwig examples show it often introduces planned or scheduled activities, though Ludwig AI notes it can lack clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is to start" is frequently encountered, especially in news and media contexts. However, Ludwig AI points out that it is not considered correct and can sound awkward or vague, making it less precise than alternatives like "it will start" or "it is going to start". While it intends to convey the beginning of an action, opting for clearer and more active constructions can significantly enhance the quality of your writing. Despite its common usage, especially coming from authoritative sources, consider alternative phrasings to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is going to start

Adds "going to" for a more explicit future intention.

it's about to begin

Uses "about to" to denote immediate future action.

it is starting

Uses the present continuous tense to indicate an action that is beginning.

it will begin

Changes from an infinitive to a future tense.

it will be starting

Uses the future continuous tense to indicate an action that will be beginning.

it is set to start

Indicates a confirmed and planned start time.

it should start

Implies a degree of obligation or expectation.

it is scheduled to begin

Specifies that the start is part of a plan.

it's poised to begin

Expresses readiness or preparation for the start.

it shall commence

Replaces "start" with the more formal "commence".

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "it is to start"?

Consider using phrases like "it will begin", "it is going to start", or "it is scheduled to start" for clearer communication.

Is "it is to start" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "it is to start" can sound awkward or vague. Using more direct phrasing can enhance clarity and grammatical correctness.

How can I make my writing more precise when using "it is to start"?

Specify the subject and use more active constructions, such as "The meeting will start" or "The project is scheduled to begin".

What is the difference between "it is to start" and "it will start"?

"It will start" is a more direct and generally preferred way to indicate a future event, while "it is to start" can sometimes sound more formal or planned, but risks being less clear.