From the start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "From the start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of a process, event, or situation, often emphasizing that something has been true or consistent since the beginning. Example: "I knew from the start that this project would be challenging, but I was determined to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From the start.

Forbes

"From the start, bam!

The New York Times - Sports

From the start, I followed the dates.

The New York Times

From the start, the ensemble blazed gloriously.

The New York Times - Arts

From the start, the wires were crossed.

The New York Times

From the start, he had difficulties.

The New Yorker

From the start he tested the establishment.

The Economist

From the start of his tenure, Pres.

The New Yorker

From the start, there were doubters.

The New York Times

That's obvious from the start.

The New York Times

It's bumbling from the start.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "From the start" to emphasize that a condition or situation has been consistent since its inception. This adds a sense of continuity and predictability to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using alternative prepositions such as "in" instead of "from" (e.g., "in the start"). "From the start" is the standard and grammatically correct form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "From the start" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something began. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples, where it describes the timing of events or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "From the start" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate the beginning of an event or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adverbial phrase, emphasizing the initial point and often implying continuity. It is frequently found in news and media contexts and is generally considered to have a neutral register. Related phrases include "From the outset" and "From the beginning". When using this phrase, ensure you are using the correct preposition ("from" instead of "in").

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

From the outset

Similar meaning but emphasizes the initial stage of something.

From the beginning

Very close synonym, focusing on the initial point in time.

Right from the beginning

Adds emphasis to the initial stage.

At the inception

More formal, highlighting the establishment or commencement of something.

At the start

Slightly less emphatic, focusing on the commencement point.

At first

Highlights the early stages of a process or event.

From day one

Emphasizes the continuous nature from the first day.

From the get-go

An informal expression emphasizing the very beginning.

From the word go

Informal idiom conveying immediate action or occurrence.

Initially

A single-word adverb expressing what happened at first.

FAQs

How can I use "From the start" in a sentence?

Use "From the start" to indicate that something has been true or consistent since the beginning of a process, event, or situation. For instance, "From the start, I knew this project would be challenging".

What are some alternatives to "From the start"?

You can use alternatives like "From the beginning", "From the outset", or "Initially" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "In the start" instead of "From the start"?

No, "From the start" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "In the start" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "From the start" and "At the start"?

"From the start" often implies a continuous state or condition since the beginning, while "At the start" simply refers to the initial point in time without necessarily implying continuity.