it starts working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it starts working" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the moment when something begins to function or operate effectively. Example: "After a few minutes of setup, the software finally starts working, and I can begin my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"Once a name catches on among high-income, highly educated parents, it starts working its way down the socioeconomic ladder," they wrote.

BBC

In particular, one pattern that they found was unmistakable: "Once a name catches on among high-income, highly educated parents, it starts working its way down the socioeconomic ladder.

Huffington Post

For now, the company plans to use the hybrid powertrain on a test aircraft that it recently purchased (an old Aero Commander, for you avgeeks) while it starts working on its airframe.

TechCrunch

"You miss a few and it starts working on you mentally," Jordan said.

The New York Times - Sports

If pressure in the pump drops, everyone has to make do without water until it starts working again.

The Guardian - Arts

But now it starts working again because we've asked it to retell the story using Boris's generator in a particular way that makes the woodcutter be likeable likeable person.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Just a few days later, it started working on its own.

HuffPost

Three years ago, it started working with Surefire Social to update its Web site and to improve its search engine optimization.

The New York Times

"Fortunately it started working," she added.

The New York Times - Sports

"It started working straight away.

The Guardian

Then, in the summer of 1976, it started working.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it starts working" to describe the moment when a system, method, or idea begins to yield results or function as intended.

Common error

Ensure the pronoun "it" is clearly defined in your sentence. Ambiguous pronoun references can confuse your reader and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it starts working" functions as a declarative statement describing the commencement of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it starts working" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the commencement of functionality or effectiveness. According to Ludwig AI, its applicability spans various contexts, including news, academia, and general discussions, with a neutral register. When using the phrase, ensure that the pronoun "it" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For more formal or technical writing, consider alternatives such as "it becomes operational" or "it begins functioning". This guidance helps ensure clear and effective communication across different writing styles and audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it begins functioning

Uses a more formal verb for "working".

it becomes operational

Replaces "starts working" with a more formal term for becoming functional.

it commences operation

A formal and precise way of saying it starts to operate.

it kicks in

Uses an informal idiom to indicate the start of effectiveness.

it gets going

An informal way to express the start of a process.

it initiates functionality

A more technical and formal way of saying it begins to work.

it activates

Emphasizes the start of activity or operation.

it becomes effective

Focuses on the effectiveness rather than the process of working.

it springs into action

Conveys a sense of immediacy and energy in starting to work.

it comes alive

Suggests a more dynamic or vibrant start of functionality.

FAQs

How can I use "it starts working" in a sentence?

You can use "it starts working" to describe the moment something begins to function correctly or produce results. For example, "After the software update, "it starts working" as expected."

What's a more formal alternative to "it starts working"?

A more formal alternative could be "it becomes operational" or "it begins functioning", depending on the context.

Is "it starts working" appropriate for technical writing?

Yes, "it starts working" is generally acceptable, but in highly technical contexts, consider using more precise language like "it initiates functionality".

What does it mean when something "starts working"?

When something "starts working", it means that it has begun to function properly or effectively, often after a period of inactivity, malfunction, or adjustment.