just starting out

USAGE SUMMARY

"just starting out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, often a new or beginning one, in which you are still unfamiliar with the situation and have a lot to learn or experience. For example, "I'm just starting out in my new job, so I still have a lot to learn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're just starting out".

The Guardian - Sport

I'm just starting out".

The Guardian - Film

He was just starting out in life".

The New York Times

I'm just starting out but even so.

The Guardian - Music

Athens is just starting out on this.

The New York Times

First, when just starting out, read all of the papers!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I met him when I was just starting out".

The New York Times

"Because they were young and just starting out".

The New York Times

We're just starting out now, just getting together.

The Guardian - Music

"You're just starting out on your career," he said.

The New York Times

When I was just starting out, I met Cartier-Bresson.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "just starting out", ensure the context clearly indicates the area or activity in which someone is new or inexperienced.

Common error

Avoid using "just starting out" when referring to situations where someone has some experience, even if limited. This phrase is best reserved for true beginners.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just starting out" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to modify a noun or pronoun. It indicates that the subject is in the early stages of learning or experiencing something new. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

20%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "just starting out" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe someone who is new or inexperienced in a particular field or activity. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources. Its function is primarily descriptive, conveying a lack of established expertise. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is most frequently encountered in News & Media. When employing this phrase, it is important to ensure that the context clearly indicates the area in which someone is a beginner, and avoid using it when referring to individuals with some level of experience. Related phrases, like "newly initiated" or "a beginner at", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a beginner at

Directly states that someone is new to a particular skill or activity.

in the initial stages

Highlights that the process is in its earliest phases.

a novice in the field

Identifies someone as new and inexperienced in a specific domain.

newly initiated

This emphasizes the recent commencement of an activity or role.

freshly embarking

Focuses on the act of beginning a journey or endeavor.

early in the game

An idiomatic expression indicating a preliminary phase of an activity.

at the dawn of

Metaphorically describes being at the very beginning of something significant.

in the infancy of

Implies that something is in its very early development.

cutting one's teeth

Suggests gaining initial experience, often through challenges.

green around the gills

Indicates inexperience and naivete.

FAQs

How can I use "just starting out" in a sentence?

You can use "just starting out" to describe someone who is new to an activity or field. For example, "She's "just starting out" as a writer, so her articles are still developing."

What is a good alternative to "just starting out"?

Alternatives to "just starting out" include "newly initiated", "in the initial stages", or "a beginner at" depending on the specific context.

Is "just starting out" formal or informal?

"Just starting out" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in everyday conversation and writing.

What's the difference between "just starting out" and "starting over"?

"Just starting out" refers to beginning something new for the first time, while "starting over" implies restarting after a setback or significant change.