it just starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it just starting" is not correct in written English.
It should be "it just started" or "it is just starting" depending on the intended meaning. Example: "The event is just starting, so please take your seats."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We tried to starve it for a while, to see if we could get it to haunt a different apartment, but it just starting gnawing on the decorative molding — I know!

The New Yorker

Is it well-established or is it just starting out?

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It just started its safety tests in Europe.

The New York Times - Health

"It just started to have a life of its own.

The Guardian - Tech

It just started happening quick".

The New York Times

It just starts now".

The New York Times

It just started today".

The New York Times

It just started snowballing".

The New York Times - Sports

It just started shaking.

The Guardian

It just started with this established couple.

The New York Times

"It just started rumbling," Mr. Doyon said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure correct verb tense and form. Use "it has just started" for completed actions or "it is just starting" for actions in progress.

Common error

Do not omit auxiliary verbs like "has" or "is" when using the present perfect or present continuous tenses. Omitting these creates grammatically incorrect phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it just starting" functions as an incomplete clause. It lacks an auxiliary verb, making it grammatically incorrect in most contexts. As Ludwig AI notes, it needs either "has" or "is" to form a complete verb phrase. Without the auxiliary verb, it cannot properly express tense or aspect.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it just starting" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is missing an auxiliary verb. The correct forms are "it has just started" or "it is just starting", depending on the intended meaning. While the phrase appears in some sources, its frequency is rare, and its usage is generally limited to informal contexts. When writing, ensure the verb tense is correct to clearly communicate the intended meaning of the action that is commencing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has just started

Uses the present perfect tense for grammatical correctness.

it is just beginning

Replaces "starting" with the synonym "beginning" and uses the correct present continuous form.

it only just began

Emphasizes the recency of the start using "only just".

it recently commenced

Uses a more formal term, "commenced", to indicate the start.

it's in its initial phase

Shifts the focus to the stage of development.

it's newly underway

Highlights that the action is now in progress.

it's in its infancy

Suggests the very early stage of development.

it has just gotten underway

Uses a more conversational phrasing to indicate commencement.

it's in the early stages

Focuses on the progression through stages.

it's just getting off the ground

Uses an idiom to indicate the initial launch or start.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "it just starting"?

The correct forms are "it has just started" or "it is just starting", depending on whether you want to emphasize completion or ongoing progress. Alternatives include "it only just began" or "it is just beginning".

How can I use "it has just started" in a sentence?

You can use "it has just started" to indicate that something began very recently, for example: "The movie has just started, so you haven't missed much" or "The project has just started, and we are already seeing positive results".

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

"It has just started" implies the action began recently and may or may not be ongoing. "It is just starting" indicates the action is currently in the process of beginning. You could also say "it is just beginning".

What are some alternatives to "it is just starting"?

Alternatives include "it is just beginning", "it is in its initial phase", or "it is newly underway". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.