starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "starting" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe the beginning of an action or process, for example: "Starting Monday, our office will be open from 8am to 5pm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is designed to ensure that the 50,000 young people "most at risk of starting a life on benefits" find that their first contact with the benefits system is a requirement to undertake community work and search for jobs.

The Guardian

Before starting his election campaign he claimed to hate social media and not own a mobile phone.

The Guardian

We are making the biggest investment in roads since the 1970s and the biggest in rail since Victorian times, connecting 40,000 premises to superfast broadband every week, and starting an energy revolution with the first new nuclear plant in a generation, the world's first green investment bank and the largest production of offshore wind on the planet.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's about starting to spend a little bit more money on marketing.

The Guardian

Navi Pillay credited Snowden with starting a global debate that has led to calls for the curtailment of state powers to snoop on citizens online and store their data.

The Guardian

These are just a few questions that may be going through a candidate's mind before applying for a position, before an interview or before starting their new role.

The Guardian

The Guardian has unveiled its Australian digital edition with a pledge to deliver a "fresh and independent view", starting with an exclusive interview with prime minister Julia Gillard who criticises rival Tony Abbott's flagship paid parental leave policy as "anti-women" – and revealing that she is a secret Game of Thrones fan.

The Guardian

Evans said he was attending to protest the "shredding of the constitution" and added that he was happy that "you guys on the left are finally starting to see it".

The Guardian

I suggest that sounds rather optimistic, and mention starting again from scratch with, for example, our passport system.

The Guardian

From around £88pp for a two-day/one night trip, including full board and excursions ([phone], bhayacruises.com) Voyages Jules Verne has a new trip for 2011: a cruise right around Cuba, starting and finishing in Havana.

The Guardian - Travel

If Bayern also attacked with energy they were equally generous in defence, starting with the same high-risk, forward-thrusting three-man backline Pep Guardiola had abandoned after 15 minutes of the first leg.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider more formal synonyms like "commencing" or "initiating" in professional or academic writing where a more elevated tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "Starting..." as a complete sentence without a main clause. Instead of just writing "Starting tomorrow", expand it to "Starting tomorrow, the new regulations will be in effect".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "starting" is as a present participle functioning as part of a continuous verb form or as an adjective. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is supported by examples showing its use in describing actions in progress or conditions being initiated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Sport

14%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Lifestyle

6%

Money

4%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "starting" functions primarily as a present participle, effectively indicating the commencement of actions, events, or processes. As shown by Ludwig's AI, it is grammatically correct and versatile, fitting neutral register, used across various source types especially in News & Media. While more formal alternatives like "commencing" exist, "starting" remains a widely accepted and understood term. Be mindful of avoiding incomplete sentences and ensure clarity in its usage for effective communication. "Starting" is a very common word according to Ludwig's results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning

Focuses on the initial point or stage of something, similar to "starting" but often used for processes or periods of time.

commencing

A more formal synonym for "starting", often used in official or legal contexts.

initiating

Implies taking the first step in a process or project, highlighting the act of setting something in motion.

launching

Suggests a more significant or public beginning, often used for products, campaigns, or initiatives.

embarking on

Emphasizes the beginning of a journey or endeavor, often one that is significant or challenging.

setting out

Highlights the act of beginning a journey or task, often with a specific goal or destination in mind.

kicking off

An informal way to describe the beginning of an event or activity, often used in sports or entertainment contexts.

getting underway

Indicates that something is in the process of starting or has just begun.

opening

Refers to the commencement of a performance, event, or establishment.

inaugurating

Suggests a formal or ceremonial beginning, often used for institutions or public works.

FAQs

How can I use "starting" in a sentence?

You can use "starting" to indicate the beginning of an action, event, or period. For example, "Starting next month, we'll have new office hours" or "The project is "starting soon"".

What are some alternatives to using "starting"?

Alternatives to "starting" include "beginning", "commencing", "initiating", and "launching". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "starting from"?

Yes, it is correct to use "starting from" to specify a point of origin or a condition. For example, "The price is $10, "starting from" the base model".

What's the difference between "starting" and "beginning"?

"Starting" and "beginning" are often interchangeable, but "beginning" can also refer to the initial stage of something, while "starting" more directly implies the act of initiating or commencing.