Start working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Start working" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to instruct someone to begin a task or project. Example: "Once you receive the materials, please start working on the report immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Start working on your material early.

The New York Times

Start working those arms!

Huffington Post

Start working.

WikiHow

Start working out.

WikiHow

Start working or volunteering.

WikiHow

Start working on your homework.

WikiHow

Start working on those goals!

WikiHow

Start working as an Intern.

WikiHow

Start working on your body.

WikiHow

Start working on the Yard.

WikiHow

Start working on getting fit.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Start working", ensure that the context clearly defines the task or project to which you are referring. Adding a specific object (e.g. "Start working on the report") enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "Start working" without specifying what the work entails. This can lead to confusion. Instead of saying "Start working", specify the task: "Start working on the presentation."

Linguistic Context

"Start working" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or encouraging someone to begin or continue performing labor or some task. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from academic tasks to physical exercises, indicating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Start working" is a grammatically sound and commonly used imperative phrase that instructs someone to begin an activity. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources, confirms its widespread use across various contexts including Wiki, News & Media and Formal & Business correspondence. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the object of the work. While direct and versatile, more formal alternatives like "commence working" or "initiate work" exist for professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Begin working

Uses a synonym of "start" to convey the same meaning.

Get to work

An idiomatic way of saying begin working.

Commence working

A more formal synonym of "begin working".

Start the work

Rephrases "working" as a noun.

Start doing work

Adds "doing" for emphasis but retains the core meaning.

Initiate work

Replaces both "start" and "working" with more formal synonyms.

Get started on work

Similar meaning, but adds a prepositional phrase.

Embark on work

A more figurative way to say begin working.

Dive into work

Suggests immersing oneself in work.

Get cracking on work

An informal expression for starting work.

FAQs

How can I use "Start working" in a sentence?

Use "Start working" as an imperative to instruct someone to begin a task. For example, "Start working on the project report" or "Start working towards your goals".

What is a more formal alternative to "Start working"?

A more formal alternative to "Start working" is "commence working" or "initiate work". These options are suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is "Start working" grammatically correct?

Yes, "Start working" is grammatically correct as an imperative phrase. It directly instructs someone to begin working.

What is the difference between "Start working" and "get to work"?

"Start working" is a direct instruction to begin work. "Get to work" is an idiomatic expression with the same meaning but might carry a slightly more forceful or urgent tone.