starts unloading

USAGE SUMMARY

"starts unloading" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when describing the beginning of a process or when referring to the act of unloading cargo from a vehicle or container. For example: The driver of the truck pulled up to the dock and started unloading.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Andy waves to her and starts unloading his drum kit.

The New Yorker

Schor may have sensed this, because she starts unloading personal matters: how her interest in Esperanto coincided with a life crisis, during the course of which she split up with her husband of thirty years — "kind Leo; funny, brilliant Leo" — and wept daily, "sometimes most of the day".

The New Yorker

Suddenly, we're interrupted by a camouflage pick-up that pulls up and starts unloading dates and bananas.

Vice

If he starts unloading, just sit and listen.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A few investors started unloading stocks before last week.

The New York Times

Hapag-Lloyd has started unloading Tokyo-bound containers near Osaka and sending them overland.

The New York Times

I've never done an interview with anybody from Apple who was so frank and open and just started unloading.

The New York Times

Two days after announcing it would kill the TouchPad, H.P. started unloading its inventory through a fire sale.

The New York Times - Tech

She described Mr. Green's initial talk as "thoughtful and magical — he was wearing a backpack and started unloading these creatures".

The New York Times - Arts

The key now was to get out before the guy started unloading about his originary trauma or whatever.

The New Yorker

The first business he lured over was Eddie's Crane Service, which has set up at the wharf in Dili to start unloading construction materials.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "starts unloading", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being unloaded and from where. For example: "The truck starts unloading the supplies at the warehouse."

Common error

Avoid using "starts unloading" without specifying the object of the unloading action. Saying "The worker starts unloading" is vague; clarify what the worker is unloading to provide a complete picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starts unloading" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an action. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, describing the beginning of a process.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starts unloading" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the beginning of the process of removing items, as validated by Ludwig. While relatively rare in occurrence, it finds its primary contexts in news and media, as well as wiki sources. The phrase is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for a variety of communication scenarios. When using "starts unloading", clarity is key; specify what is being unloaded to avoid vagueness. Ludwig's analysis confirms the phrase's usability and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begins to unload

This alternative simply replaces "starts" with "begins", indicating a very similar action but potentially a slightly more formal tone.

is starting to unload

Adds a progressive aspect, focusing on the ongoing nature of the action as it begins.

commences unloading

Using "commences" suggests a more formal or official start to the unloading process.

initiates the unloading process

This phrase provides a more descriptive and elaborate way of saying "starts unloading", suitable for technical or formal contexts.

unloads from the beginning

Focuses on unloading as an action that is happening since the begining.

starts to discharge

Replaces "unloading" with "discharge", implying removal from a container or vessel; suitable when unloading means emptying.

gets underway with unloading

Uses an idiomatic expression to mean starting the process, suitable for informal contexts.

prepares to unload

Indicates the immediate action before unloading begins, focusing on readiness.

is about to unload

This alternative suggests imminence, meaning the action will happen very soon.

launches unloading operations

Suitable for formal or technical contexts where unloading is part of a larger operation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "starts unloading" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "commences unloading" or "initiates the unloading process".

What verbs are similar to "starts" in the context of unloading?

Similar verbs include "begins", "commences", or "initiates". For instance, "begins to unload" is a direct alternative.

Is it correct to say "starts to unloading" instead of "starts unloading"?

No, the correct phrasing is "starts unloading". The phrase "starts to unload" is also grammatically correct but it carries a slightly different implication related to the intention of doing the action.

What's the difference between "starts unloading" and "is starting to unload"?

"Starts unloading" describes the commencement of the action. "Is starting to unload" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action as it begins; this form is used for the continuous tenses of a verb.