starting to trickle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starting to trickle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gradual or slow emergence or flow of something, often in a context where something is beginning to appear or happen. Example: "After the heavy rain, the water is starting to trickle down the hillside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Maybe that's starting to trickle off".

The New York Times

10.51pm GMT Exit polls are starting to trickle in.

The Guardian

But they are just starting to trickle into the hall.

The New York Times

"However, they are starting to trickle back now".

The Guardian

The presidential endorsements of the nation's largest papers are starting to trickle in.

The New York Times

"But that information was just barely starting to trickle out," Dr. Rabins said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

A little after two in the morning, a few people started to trickle out, but still more trickled in.

The New Yorker

Recognition started to trickle in as well.

The New York Times

Earnings reports will start to trickle out toward the end of this week.

The New York Times

Futures prices will start to trickle out of Bordeaux in the coming days.

The New York Times - Food

By this time, guests had started to trickle in and were assigned various tasks.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starting to trickle" to describe situations where something is gradually becoming noticeable or available after a period of absence or scarcity.

Common error

While "starting to trickle" is acceptable, overuse in formal reports can make writing seem less sophisticated. Opt for synonyms like "emerging" or "increasing" to enhance professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting to trickle" functions as a verbal phrase often acting as a predicate in a sentence. It describes the commencement of a gradual process, indicating something is beginning to appear or arrive in small amounts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starting to trickle" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the initial, gradual appearance or flow of something. According to Ludwig AI, it's a useful expression found frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in formal business communications. Alternatives like "beginning to emerge" or "starting to appear" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using "starting to trickle", it's best to highlight the slow, initial nature of the process being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning to emerge

Emphasizes the initial appearance or rise of something, differing from "starting to trickle's" implication of a slow flow.

beginning to flow

Highlights the commencement of movement, in contrast to "starting to trickle's" emphasis on a small quantity.

starting to appear

Focuses on the visual manifestation of something, while "starting to trickle" suggests a more gradual process.

just beginning to arrive

Stresses the initial stage of reaching a destination, whereas "starting to trickle" can apply more broadly.

slowly beginning to surface

Implies a gradual revelation or discovery, unlike "starting to trickle's" more general sense of emergence.

gradually coming into view

Highlights the aspect of visibility and gradual appearance, whereas "starting to trickle" focuses on a slow but steady flow.

initially seeping through

Emphasizes a slow, permeating introduction, unlike "starting to trickle's" broader implication of a gradual start.

barely beginning to register

Focuses on awareness or recognition, shifting the meaning away from the physical sense of flow.

scarcely starting to materialize

Underscores the quality of being scarcely visible, introducing uncertainty not present in "starting to trickle".

faintly starting to register

Emphasizes the quality of being faint, subtly influencing the action to be minimal.

FAQs

How can I use "starting to trickle" in a sentence?

You can use "starting to trickle" to describe a gradual or slow emergence or flow of something. For example, "After the initial shock, donations were "starting to trickle" in."

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

Alternatives include "beginning to emerge", "starting to appear", or "beginning to flow", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "starting to trickle" or "beginning to trickle"?

Both "starting to trickle" and "beginning to trickle" are correct and convey the same meaning of a gradual start.

What's the difference between "starting to trickle" and "starting to flood"?

"Starting to trickle" implies a slow, gradual influx, while "starting to flood" suggests a rapid, overwhelming surge. The choice depends on the intensity you want to convey.