when starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when starting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a process that begins at a certain point in time. For example: "When starting the project, make sure to read the instructions carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be patient when starting antidepressants.

Harvard University

Pain may temporarily worsen when starting an exercise program.

University of California, Berkeley

This PDF was my go-to when starting out.

University of California, Berkeley

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

The Economist

Sometimes, especially when starting, underpricing yourself is a good strategy.

The New York Times

Before tea Rankin pulled up when starting his third spell.

The Guardian - Sport

Many writers suffer from anxiety when starting a new book.

The Guardian - Books

Political losers, too, deserve a honeymoon when starting anew.

The New York Times

Rock bolts will not work properly when starting to failure.

International Journal of Advanced Structural Engineering (IJASE)

When starting up, the viewer shows the complete dataset.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Seventy percent of patients had an AKI when starting treatment.

Annals of Intensive Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity by specifying what action or process is being started. For instance, instead of just "when starting", use "when starting the engine" or "when starting a new project".

Common error

Avoid using "when starting" without a clear subject or object. Always specify what is being started to prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of "when starting, be careful", specify "when starting the car, be careful".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when starting" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when an action or event occurs. Ludwig shows this in examples like, "When starting antidepressants..." or "When starting up, most send expatriates..."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

26%

Wiki

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when starting" is a versatile adverbial clause of time used to specify the commencement of an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, from academic and scientific writing to news media and informal wikis. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to explicitly state what is being started, avoiding vague references. Alternatives such as "as you begin" or "at the start" can be used to add variety, but "when starting" remains a clear and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the start

A simple and direct alternative.

in starting

Slightly less common but grammatically correct alternative.

as you begin

Offers a direct and personal tone, suitable for instructional contexts.

once you initiate

Highlights the act of starting or setting something in motion.

at the outset

Stresses the very beginning or start.

in the initial stages

Focuses on the early phase of a process.

upon commencement

Emphasizes a more formal initiation point.

from the beginning

Implies a duration starting from the initial point.

to begin with

Indicates the first action in a series.

at the inception of

Highlights the initial phase with a focus on creation or beginning.

FAQs

How to use "when starting" in a sentence?

Use "when starting" to introduce a condition or action that initiates a process. For example, "When starting a new job, it's important to ask questions."

What can I say instead of "when starting"?

You can use alternatives like "as you begin", "at the start", or "upon commencement" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "when starting" or "while starting"?

"When starting" is used to indicate the point at which something begins, whereas "while starting" suggests an action happening during the startup process. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "when starting" and "after starting"?

"When starting" refers to the moment of initiation, while "after starting" refers to a point in time following the commencement of an action. For example, "When starting the computer, wait for the prompt," versus "After starting the computer, open the application".