starting up

USAGE SUMMARY

"starting up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing the act of beginning an action, process, or venture. For example, "She's starting up a new project at work this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Starting Up: Justin Bieber?

The New York Times

Starting up behind them,.

The New Yorker

Everything is just starting up".

The New York Times

Now, several are starting up again.

The New York Times

The rain is starting up again.

The New Yorker

Universities were starting up in September.

The New York Times

Some talk of starting up businesses.

The New York Times

Public transport is starting up, not closing down around you.

Independent

When starting up, most send expatriates to manage their operations.

The Economist

And now the football season is starting up again.

The Guardian

"It was starting up right before my eyes," Titan said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starting up" to describe the initial phase of a business, project, or any activity that involves getting something new off the ground. It's versatile and widely understood.

Common error

Avoid using "starting up" in highly formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "initiating", "commencing", or "establishing" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "starting up" is that of a verb phrase, often used as a present participle. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is correct and can be used to describe the commencement or initiation of an action, process, or venture.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

34%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "starting up" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the initiation of an activity or process. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. While it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings. Consider alternatives like "beginning", "commencing", or "initiating" to adjust the tone as needed. Be mindful to avoid overuse in very formal contexts to maintain professionalism. The phrase is very common, indicating its wide acceptance and understandability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning

Focuses on the initial stage of an activity, similar to "starting up" but more concise.

initiating

Highlights the act of setting something in motion, akin to "starting up" but with a stronger sense of agency.

commencing

A more formal alternative to "starting up", emphasizing the official beginning of something.

launching

Implies a more significant and public beginning, often used for projects or products.

getting underway

Suggests that something is progressing from the very beginning and is now in progress.

setting in motion

Emphasizes the action of causing something to begin operating or functioning.

firing up

Similar to starting but often used for machines or processes.

kicking off

Implies an informal or energetic start to something, such as a project or event.

establishing

Suggests the creation and initial setup of something more permanent or structured.

activating

Emphasizes the process of making something active or operational.

FAQs

How can I use "starting up" in a sentence?

You can use "starting up" to describe the beginning of an activity, like "They are starting up a new business" or "The computer is starting up now".

What are some alternatives to "starting up"?

You can use alternatives like "beginning", "commencing", or "initiating" depending on the context.

Is "starting up" appropriate for formal writing?

While "starting up" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or general contexts. For formal writing, consider using alternatives like "commencing" or "initiating".

What's the difference between "starting up" and "beginning"?

"Starting up" often implies a process of setting something in motion, while "beginning" is a more general term for the initial stage of any activity. "Starting up" can also suggest a more hands-on or active involvement in the initial stages.