“I am starting learning xyz”

Question

Is this sentence correct?

I am starting learning xyz.

Barrie England · Accepted Answer · 2012-01-28 07:52:02Z

up vote 6 down vote accepted

It is, but I am starting to learn xyz might be preferable, if only to avoid the sound of the two -ing forms one after the other.

answered Jan 28 '12 at 7:52

Barrie England
78.9k487169

1

It should especially be avoided in phrases like "starting learning dancing." – Peter Shor Jan 28 '12 at 13:44

Thank you Barrie :) – Chankey Pathak Jan 29 '12 at 11:46

@ChankeyPathak: Hope it helps. – Barrie England Jan 29 '12 at 11:47

Alenanno · Answer 2 · 2012-01-28 23:06:39Z

This statement is not wrong in popular English -- but in "formal" contexts you should prefer something like:

I am starting to learn xyz.

But, sometimes the former is more suitable. For example

I'm practicing dancing.

is more common (even formally), than

I am practicing to dance.

Hence, the bottom line is: use what people are accustomed to hear and read. (unless of course it's a new coinage)

2 Answers