they are starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'They are starting' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone is beginning to do something. For example: "They are starting the race now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are starting from behind.

The New York Times

And they are starting soon.

The New Yorker

They are starting now.

The Guardian

They are starting small.

The Guardian

Now they are starting to selectively buy".

The Economist

"They are starting to lay off employees.

The New York Times

Already, they are starting to give discounts.

The New York Times

They are starting to feel frustrated".

The New York Times - Magazine

They are starting to die off".

The Guardian

Still, they are starting to attack.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes they are starting to rise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the surrounding words to keep your meaning consistent with the timeline and duration. E.g. "They are starting to learn", indicating the beginning of a learning process.

Common error

Avoid using "they are starting" when you mean to describe a completed action. Ensure the verb tense aligns with the intended meaning. For instance, use "they started" to indicate a past action that has already commenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are starting" functions as a declarative statement indicating the commencement of an action or process. This implies the beginning phase of an activity, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correctness and usability. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they are starting" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the beginning of an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in neutral contexts such as news and media, it serves to inform the audience about the commencement of activities. When writing with "they are starting", make sure that the use of tense is correct and that more formal alternatives are used in formal contexts. Keep in mind the context and meaning of the sentence in relation to the duration and timeline of the activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are beginning

Uses a synonym for 'starting' to convey the same meaning, offering a slightly more formal tone.

they are commencing

Employs a more formal synonym for 'starting', suitable for professional or academic contexts.

they are initiating

Suggests a more deliberate and planned beginning than "they are starting".

they are kicking off

Offers a more informal and energetic way to say "they are starting", often used in sports or event contexts.

they are getting underway

Implies that preparations are complete and the action is now in progress.

they are setting about

Indicates that they are beginning a task or activity with a specific intention or approach.

they are embarking on

Suggests that they are starting a journey or undertaking, often one that is significant or challenging.

they are getting the ball rolling

An idiomatic expression that conveys the idea of initiating action or progress.

they are firing up

Suggests a vigorous and energetic beginning, often associated with engines or machines.

they are venturing into

Implies that they are starting something new and potentially risky or uncertain.

FAQs

How can I use "they are starting" in a sentence?

You can use "they are starting" to indicate the beginning of an action or process, such as "they are starting the project" or "they are starting to understand".

What's a more formal way to say "they are starting"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "they are commencing" or "they are initiating", depending on the specific context.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when using "they are starting"?

Ensure that you are using the correct tense. "They are starting" indicates a present, ongoing action. If the action has already begun and is finished, use "they started".

What are some alternatives to "they are starting" for a more informal context?

In informal settings, you might use "they are kicking off" or "they are getting underway" as alternatives to "they are starting".