starting in middle school

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starting in middle school" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of an experience, activity, or change that occurs during the middle school years. Example: "Many students develop their study habits starting in middle school, which can impact their academic success later on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Schools in several states now require drug testing for students who want to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities, starting in middle school.

The New York Times

Starting in middle school, Megan worked side by side with Shirley; among her siblings, she had a uniquely strong bond with her mother.

The New Yorker

"The real issue is women are falling out of STEM fields all along the pipeline, starting in middle school and high school," says Stuart Schmill, dean of admissions.

The New York Times

Dalton has tried to level the playing field by offering free tutoring, starting in middle school a decade ago, then adding elementary grades and high school last year.

The New York Times

He said teachers should inform students about Pell Grants, federal aid for poor and middle-class college students, starting in middle school.

The New York Times

— The new standards seek to teach students about both climate change and evolution, starting in middle school, and some states, like Texas, very likely won't adopt them because of this.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"The question is, Is it better for kids to get into algebra and do algebra, or to give kids the extra time so the teacher can concentrate more on concepts started in middle schools?" said Ruth Curran Neild, a research scientist at Johns Hopkins and one of the study's principal investigators.

Johns Hopkins University

My life on a bike started in middle school.

The New York Times

The space was already used by the Shannon brothers for a silk-screening business they started in middle school.

The New York Times

You started in middle school (at twelve years old), and, in a way, going to that school meant that your future was secured.

The New Yorker

And I remember thinking, 'Well, that will never happen here.' " It started in middle school with compulsive exercising, over-the-counter diet pills and laxatives.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starting in middle school" to clearly indicate when an activity, trend, or educational focus begins for students. This helps set a specific timeframe and context for your audience.

Common error

Don't assume all students have the same experiences "starting in middle school". Be mindful of diverse backgrounds and individual circumstances that may affect their academic or social development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting in middle school" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, specifying the time or point when an action or process begins. It provides context about when a particular activity or development is initiated. As seen in Ludwig, the usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

29%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starting in middle school" serves as a common and grammatically sound way to indicate when a particular activity, trend, or educational focus commences. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and useful in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, it sets a clear temporal context. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "beginning in middle school" for slight variations in emphasis. Be mindful of diverse student experiences when using this phrase, as individual circumstances can greatly affect their development during these formative years.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning in middle school

Replaces "starting" with "beginning", emphasizing the commencement point.

from middle school onward

Indicates a progression from middle school forward.

in middle school and beyond

Highlights continuation past middle school.

during the middle school years

Focuses on the period of middle school as the starting point.

at the middle school level

Refers to the specific academic stage.

once they reach middle school

Emphasizes the action of reaching middle school as a trigger.

when entering middle school

Highlights the entry into middle school.

since middle school age

Focuses on the age typically associated with middle school.

as early as middle school

Stresses the earliness of the starting point.

from the middle school stage

Identifies middle school as a distinct phase.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "starting in middle school"?

You can use alternatives such as "beginning in middle school", "from middle school onward", or "in middle school and beyond" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "starting in middle school" in formal writing?

Yes, "starting in middle school" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the specific tone and audience. If greater formality is needed, use alternatives such as "commencing in middle school" or "from the middle school level".

What is implied when you say something "starts in middle school"?

Saying something "starts in middle school" typically implies that it is the initial point where a particular behavior, educational focus, or developmental stage begins, setting the foundation for future learning or growth.

What's the difference between "starting in middle school" and "starting at middle school"?

"Starting in middle school" refers to the period when something begins within that educational phase. "Starting at middle school" is less common and typically implies beginning something physically located at the middle school, though it is not as idiomatic as "in".