STAHR-ting
/ˈstɑɹtɪŋ/
starting is pronounced STAHR-ting (/ˈstɑɹtɪŋ/). Starting is the act or moment of beginning something. It can describe the initiation of an action, process, or event, as well as the point at which something begins to be in effect. In everyday usage, it often refers to the initial phase or trigger that starts a sequence of events.
Starting is the act or moment of beginning something. It can describe the initiation of an action, process, or event, as well as the point at which something begins to be in effect. In everyday usage, it often refers to the initial phase or trigger that starts a sequence of events.
"The coach announced the starting lineup for the game."
"She pressed the button to start the machine, and it hummed to life."
"The countdown marked the starting point of the race."
In General American, it’s /ˈstɑɹtɪŋ/ with primary stress on the first syllable. The /ɑ/ is a low back vowel, the /ɹ/ is a rhotic approximant, and the final -ing is /ɪŋ/. In UK English, it’s /ˈstɑːtɪŋ/ with a longer, broader /ɑː/. In Australian English, also /ˈstɑːtɪŋ/ but with slightly more centralized tongue position and a clipped /t/ in rapid speech. Be sure to keep the /t/ as a clear stop in careful speech: START-ing.
A common error is pronouncing it as two separate syllables with a weak /t/ or as /ˈstɑːr tɪŋ/ with an unnecessary /r/ before the /t/. Another frequent mistake is reducing the /t/ and linking the /ɪŋ/ too early, making it sound like 'startin' without the g. Correct by holding a crisp /t/ and ensuring the /ɪŋ/ attaches to the nasal sound, not as a plain /n/.
US: /ˈstɑɹtɪŋ/ with rhotic /ɹ/ and a clear /t/. UK: /ˈstɑːtɪŋ/ with non-rhotic /r/ (often silent) and a longer /ɑː/. AU: /ˈstɑːtɪŋ/ similar to UK but with a more centralized, flatter vowels and often a softer /t/ or glottal stop in rapid speech. In all, the main differences are rhoticity, vowel quality of /ɑː/ vs /ɑɹ/ and the realization of /t/ in connected speech.
The challenge lies in the initial stressed syllable with a tense /ɑ/ vowel and a strong /t/ closure followed by the -ing suffix, which often carries reduced vowel and a nasal. You need precise tongue position for /ɑ/ (low back) and a clean, released /t/ before the nasal /ɪŋ/. Rapid speech may link /t/ to /ɪŋ/, making it sound like /tɪŋ/; emphasize separation or light release as appropriate.
The 't' in starting is often lightly released in rapid or casual speech, leading to a slightly softer onset of -ing. In careful or formal speech, you maintain a crisp /t/ release: START-ing. In all cases, ensure the vowel in the first syllable is clearly /ɑː/ or /ɑ/ depending on accent, not a schwa, to maintain the word’s natural weight.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "starting"!
US: rhotic /ɹ/ is pronounced; keep the tongue tipping back slightly; vowel /ɑ/ is lax or tense depending on region. UK: non-rhotic, so /ɹ/ is often silent; ensure the first syllable uses /ɑː/; AU: similar to UK with a slightly closer vowel and possible glottalization in rapid speech. IPA references: US /ˈstɑɹtɪŋ/; UK /ˈstɑːtɪŋ/; AU /ˈstɑːtɪŋ/.
Starting comes from the verb start, derived from Old English onstartian and Germanic roots meaning to set in motion or to begin. The root word is proto-Germanic *startaną, related to fire and to begin with a sense of ignition. Over time, English extended the form to the present participle and gerund starting, used adjectivally and as a noun (the act of starting). Early uses appeared in contexts of war, sport, and machinery, where initiating action was crucial. The sense expanded to general initiation—beginning processes, projects, or journeys—while retaining its core meaning of imparting momentum or triggering a sequence. In modern usage, starting also appears in figurative phrases like “starting point” and “starting line,” cementing its role as a marker that ends a moment of inertia and propels forward motion.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "starting" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "starting" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "starting" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "starting"
-ing sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
