I am currently studying for the JLPT N2, and I am confused about the answer
for this particular practice question:

> 会議が（ ）リンさんが慌てて入ってきた。

I put 始まっている最中に as the answer, but my textbook tells me that the correct
answer is 始まろうとしている。

My thought process behind this answer was that 最中に is usually followed by an
act of interrupting the task at hand, and I interpreted this situation as リンさん
interrupting the starting of the meeting.

Is there a specific reason to why 始まろうとしているとき is the correct answer?

I’m really confused because 始まっている最中に (in the middle of starting) and
始まろうとしているとき (when about to start) sound really similar to me.
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2021-08-10T17:10:50.583
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2021-08-10T23:28:39.050
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question
grammar meaning usage nuances jlpt
What’s the difference between 始まっている最中に and 始まろうとしているとき in this context?
始まっ **ている** 最中 itself sounds strange. The verb 始まる refers to an instantaneous
change of state, not a durable action. Therefore, 始まっている usually describes a
state where something has already begun. 最中, on the other hand, requires an
ongoing action.

始まろうとしているとき refers to a stage where something is about to begin.
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2021-08-10T23:27:30.047
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2021-12-30T01:52:31.737
2021-12-30T01:52:31.737
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answer