starting to begin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starting to begin" is not correct and is generally considered redundant in written English.
It can be used in informal contexts, but it is better to choose a more concise expression. Example: "I am starting to begin my workout routine next week."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"So we were starting to begin a lot of preparatory work as far as looking at 2012.

The New York Times

Keith Joseph was starting to begin speeches by saying that he wanted "to put the moral case for capitalism"; Enoch Powell was a prophet of free-market economics.

The Guardian

It's 2 a.m., and thanks to California law, your night is over just when it was starting to begin.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Story starts to begin serial career, and public gets stirred up.

The New Yorker

"We've talked a lot about desktop replacement for six years, but it's really started to begin in the past 12 months," says Compaq's Baker.

Forbes

Start to begin to associate pain to NOT taking action.

Huffington Post

But you have to get started to begin the process.

Huffington Post

The children also start to begin kindergarten at this age to start their social lives.

Wikipedia

I started to begin my day with that simple gratitude and continue it throughout the day.

Huffington Post

Press "Start" to begin conversion.

WikiHow

Click "Start" to begin the stopwatch.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using redundant phrases like "starting to begin". Opt for a single, clear verb such as "starting" or "beginning" to enhance clarity and conciseness in your writing.

Common error

Be mindful of unintentionally using repetitive language. Instead of saying "starting to begin", consider if "starting" or "beginning" alone conveys your intended meaning effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting to begin" functions as a verbal phrase intended to denote the commencement of an action or process. However, it is considered redundant. As Ludwig AI points out, it is generally considered incorrect in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "starting to begin" is considered grammatically incorrect due to its redundant nature. Ludwig AI clearly states the phrase should be avoided in formal writing, where more concise alternatives like "starting" or "beginning" are preferred. While occasionally found in informal contexts, its usage can make writing sound awkward. Therefore, opting for simpler and more direct language enhances clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word, removing redundancy.

starting

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word, removing redundancy.

commencing

Offers a more formal synonym for beginning.

initiating

Suggests the formal start of a process.

getting underway

Indicates a process has started.

taking off

Suggests an energetic start to something.

kicking off

A more informal way to say something is beginning.

embarking on

Implies the start of a significant project or journey.

launching

Suggests beginning something in a decisive or public manner.

setting in motion

Highlights the act of initiating a series of events.

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "starting to begin"?

No, the phrase "starting to begin" is considered redundant. It's better to use either "starting" or "beginning" alone.

What's wrong with using "starting to begin"?

The phrase is redundant because "starting" and "begin" have very similar meanings. Using both together doesn't add any extra meaning and can make your writing sound awkward.

How can I avoid using redundant phrases like "starting to begin"?

When you find yourself using a phrase like "starting to begin", pause and ask yourself if both words are necessary. Usually, one of them will be sufficient to convey your meaning.

Are there situations where "starting to begin" might be acceptable?

While generally discouraged, "starting to begin" might be used in very informal speech or writing, or for emphasis. However, in most formal contexts, it's best to avoid it.