starting to become

USAGE SUMMARY

"starting to become" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to gradually begin being something or to move towards a certain status. For example, "Her interest in language learning is starting to become a passion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They're starting to become savvy shoppers".

The New York Times

The numbers are starting to become astronomical.

The Guardian - Sport

"They're starting to become a team.

The New York Times - Sports

But the necessary software is starting to become available.

The Economist

The potatoes should just be starting to become tender.

Independent

"Small ball's starting to become a big deal.

The New York Times - Sports

But surprisingly, it is starting to become a reality.

The Economist

The fruits of that hiring are starting to become apparent.

The New York Times

PARIS — Fashion is starting to become a seasonless endeavor.

The New York Times

But broader inflation trends are now starting to become apparent.

The New York Times

They were even starting to become disillusioned with Nelson Mandela.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starting to become" to describe gradual changes or developments. For example, "The project is starting to become more complex."

Common error

Avoid stringing together multiple instances of 'become' in a single sentence. Simplify the sentence structure to improve clarity and flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting to become" functions as a verb phrase indicating the inchoative aspect of a verb. This means it describes the beginning stage of a process or change. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase correctly and clearly marks the commencement of a gradual transformation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "starting to become" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate the beginning of a transformation or development. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is used correctly to describe gradual changes across various contexts, especially within news and media. While suitable for general use, more formal writing might benefit from more precise language. Remember to use this phrase when you want to highlight the initial stage of a process, distinguishing it from the overall transition or a completed change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning to transform into

Focuses on the transformation aspect, emphasizing the change in form or nature.

evolving towards

Suggests a more natural and gradual development over time.

progressing into

Highlights the forward movement and advancement toward a specific state.

gradually turning into

Emphasizes the slow and incremental nature of the change.

maturing into

Implies a development towards a more complete or advanced stage.

developing into

Focuses on the unfolding and expansion of potential.

shifting towards

Suggests a change in direction or emphasis.

trending toward

Implies a general direction or prevailing pattern.

emerging as

Focuses on the process of becoming visible or prominent.

becoming increasingly

Emphasizes the growing degree or intensity of a quality or state.

FAQs

How to use "starting to become" in a sentence?

Use "starting to become" to describe the initial phase of a transformation or development. For example, "The weather is starting to become colder."

What can I say instead of "starting to become"?

You can use alternatives like "beginning to transform", "evolving towards", or "progressing into" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "starting to become" or "began to become"?

"Starting to become" indicates a continuous and ongoing process, while "began to become" suggests a specific point in time when the transformation commenced. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "starting to become" and "becoming"?

"Starting to become" emphasizes the initial stages of a change, while "becoming" describes the overall process of change. The former highlights the beginning, whereas the latter focuses on the entirety of the transition.