they were starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were starting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a process or action was beginning in the past. Example: "They were starting to feel the effects of the long journey as fatigue set in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

They were starting over.

The New Yorker

They were starting again.

The Guardian

They were starting a Web site, americancensorship.org.

The New York Times - Tech

They were starting from zero.

The Guardian

"They were starting to heal.

The New York Times

Yesterday, they were starting over.

The New York Times

"Now they were starting," she writes.

The New York Times - Books

Asked whether they were starting a new tradition, Manuel laughed.

The New York Times - Sports

They were starting to get fairly well organised.

The Guardian

"They said they were starting a new life in Panama".

The New York Times

"They were starting to target two main malls".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were starting", ensure the context clearly indicates what "they" refers to, and what specific action or process was beginning. Maintain consistent tense throughout the sentence and surrounding text.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating what "they" were starting. For instance, instead of just saying "They were starting", specify "They were starting a new business" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were starting" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It indicates an ongoing action or process that was in its initial phase at a specific time in the past. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase indicates a process or action that was beginning in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were starting" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote an action or process that was beginning in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity, specify what "they" refers to and the specific action being initiated. By considering alternatives like "they initiated" or "they began", you can fine-tune your writing to achieve the desired level of formality and precision. The phrase is very common, as evidenced by the numerous examples from credible sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were getting started

Adds a sense of preparation or organization to the beginning.

they were getting underway

Adds a sense of motion to the beginning.

they initiated

Focuses on the act of formally beginning something.

they commenced

Implies a more formal or official beginning.

they got underway

Suggests the start of a journey or project.

they were at the start of

Specifies "they" are positioned at the start of something.

they were commencing to

Uses a different verb form to express the beginning.

they embarked on

Implies starting a significant or challenging project.

they set about

Emphasizes the manner in which the beginning is approached.

they kicked off

An informal way of saying something is beginning.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "they commenced" or "they initiated". These alternatives /s/they+commenced and /s/they+initiated are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What can I say instead of "they were starting" in a casual context?

Informally, you might say "they were getting started" or "they were kicking off", which is an idiom for starting something. /s/they+were+getting+started is a slightly more relaxed alternative.

How do I ensure clarity when using "they were starting"?

Always specify what "they" refers to and what action was beginning. Instead of "they were starting", specify "they were starting the project" to avoid ambiguity.

Is it ever incorrect to use "they were starting"?

While grammatically correct, overuse or vague usage can weaken your writing. Ensure the context provides enough information to understand the starting action and the actors involved, to avoid confusing your reader.