starting to work

USAGE SUMMARY

"starting to work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a number of contexts, for example: "I'm just starting to work on the project, so it might take some time to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it's starting to work.

The New York Times

But markets are starting to work better.

The Economist

But it's starting to work.

The New Yorker

"We're starting to work as partners".

The New York Times

Besides, the anesthetic was starting to work.

The New York Times

Already, there are signs that it is starting to work.

The Economist

"A virtuous circle in the UK is starting to work.

The Guardian - Business

He is now starting to work with clients.

The Guardian - Music

We're also now starting to work on our profile.

The Guardian

Now there's action, and it's starting to work.

Yale University

See, it's starting to work; just give it time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starting to work" to describe the initial phase of an activity or process, especially when you want to emphasize that it is in progress and not yet fully effective. For example, "The new policy is starting to work, but it needs more time to show its full impact."

Common error

Avoid using "starting to work" when you mean to convey the immediate initiation of an action. Use "start working" instead to indicate a more direct command or intention. For example, say "Start working on the report now" instead of "Starting to work on the report now" if you want someone to begin immediately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting to work" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as part of a continuous verb tense. It describes an ongoing process or the initial stages of an activity that is in progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starting to work" is a versatile gerund phrase used to describe the initial phase of an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use and grammatical correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also present in Academia and Scientific contexts, its neutral tone makes it suitable for various settings. To ensure clarity, it's important to distinguish its continuous sense from the more immediate "start working". Common alternatives include "beginning to function" and "becoming operational". Using "starting to work" effectively enhances descriptions of ongoing progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning to function

Focuses on something becoming operational or effective from an initial state.

getting down to business

Implies a serious and focused start to a task, often after a period of preparation.

becoming operational

Refers to the process of something moving toward an operating state.

commencing employment

Emphasizes the formal beginning of a job or professional activity.

setting about working

Describes a deliberate and organized approach to starting work.

embarking on work

Suggests a more enthusiastic or adventurous start to a task or project.

taking up employment

Highlights the acceptance and start of a job or position.

initiating labor

Highlights the act of beginning physical or mental effort on something.

launching into action

Emphasizes a dynamic and energetic start to a particular activity.

developing effectiveness

Focuses on the gradual improvement and positive outcome of an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "starting to work" to describe the initial phase of an activity or process, as in "The new marketing strategy is "starting to work", but it will take time to see significant results."

What's a similar phrase to "starting to work"?

Similar phrases include "beginning to function", "becoming operational", or "initiating labor", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "starting to work" and "start working"?

"Starting to work" implies a process that has commenced and is in progress, while "start working" is a direct command or intention to begin an action. For instance, "He is "starting to work" on the project" indicates he has already begun, whereas "He will start working on the project tomorrow" indicates a future action.

When is it appropriate to use "starting to work"?

It's appropriate to use "starting to work" when describing something that has already begun and is gradually becoming effective or functional. For example, "The medication is "starting to work", and I feel a little better each day."