may be starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be starting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a possibility that something is beginning or commencing at the present time or in the near future. Example: "The project may be starting next week, depending on the availability of resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It may be starting.

The New York Times - Sports

That, however, may be starting to change.

The New York Times - Magazine

Customers may be starting to revolt.

The New Yorker

That may be starting to change.

The New York Times

That may be starting to shift.

The Economist

But that may be starting to change.

The New York Times

They may be starting at the bottom.

The New York Times

The Bush plan released tonight may be starting another cycle.

The New York Times

It may be starting right now in towns like Qufu.

The New York Times

Some of YouTube's efforts may be starting to pay off.

The New York Times - Tech

And this process may be starting sooner than anyone predicted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may be starting" to express a tentative or possible commencement of an action or event. It's suitable when you're not entirely certain but have reason to believe something is beginning.

Common error

Avoid using "may be starting" as a filler phrase without any supporting evidence or context. Ensure that there's a logical basis or observable indication suggesting that something is indeed beginning. It can weaken your argument if used speculatively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be starting" functions as a hedging device, expressing a tentative assertion about the commencement of an event or process. Ludwig AI confirms this as a grammatically correct and usable phrase across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "may be starting" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of an action or event commencing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral, it’s important to use it with supporting evidence to avoid speculation. Alternatives like "might be beginning" or "could be commencing" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. By understanding its appropriate usage, you can enhance the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be beginning

Suggests a similar level of possibility and initiation, using different verbs.

could be commencing

Indicates a possibility with a more formal verb for starting.

might be getting underway

Emphasizes the active process of beginning, adding a sense of momentum.

could be on the verge of beginning

Highlights the imminence of the start, suggesting it is very close.

may be about to commence

Indicates an impending start, focusing on the near future.

might be in the initial stages

Shifts focus to the early phase of something that has already begun.

could be taking shape

Suggests that something is forming or developing from an early stage.

may be dawning

Uses a metaphorical expression to imply the beginning of something significant.

might be germinating

Implies a gradual and organic beginning, often used for ideas or trends.

could be budding

Similar to germinating, suggesting a new and promising start.

FAQs

How can I use "may be starting" in a sentence?

You can use "may be starting" to indicate the possibility of something beginning, for example: "The project "may be starting" next week if we get the approvals in time".

What are some alternatives to "may be starting"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might be beginning", "could be commencing", or "might be getting underway", which express similar levels of possibility.

Is "may be starting" formal or informal?

"May be starting" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What is the difference between "may be starting" and "is starting"?

"May be starting" suggests a possibility, whereas "is starting" indicates certainty that something is currently in the process of beginning. For example, "The meeting "may be starting" soon" implies uncertainty, while "The meeting is starting now" indicates it is definitely beginning.