as the start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce an idea or event that is the beginning of something. For example, "As the start of the new school year, our teachers have planned some exciting activities for us."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This acts as the start time.

University of California, Berkeley

I saw Crewe as the start of that dream.

The Guardian - Sport

Few analysts saw the mark as the start of a bull market.

The New York Times

(He referred to this as the start of his "head troubles").

The New Yorker

"We regard this as the start of a process rather than the end.

Independent

Dr Greenstone took December 1st 2007 as the start of the recession.

The Economist

Vincent marks this as the start of her time as a "champion sinner".

The New Yorker

A Chinese general says that would count as the start of "actual combat".

The Economist

I see this as the start of 2012 for Rafa.

BBC

Using Metro as the Start menu started to feel normal.

TechCrunch

We set the time when MSCs were injected as the start of the study.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as the start" to clearly indicate the initiation or beginning of an event, process, or period. Ensure the context is clear so the reader understands what is commencing.

Common error

Avoid using "as the start" in overly casual or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "at the beginning" or "to start with" might be more appropriate. It can sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the start" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to introduce a clause that indicates the commencement or initial phase of an event, process, or period. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms the phrase's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as the start" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate the commencement or beginning of something. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is correct, and it is commonly found in academic, scientific, and news contexts. While generally neutral, it can lean towards formal depending on the surrounding vocabulary. Remember to use it to clearly mark the initiation of an event or process, and consider simpler alternatives like "at the beginning" in more casual contexts. When you need a touch of formality, you may consider other alternatives like "upon initiation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the commencement

Changes the preposition and noun, emphasizing a more formal beginning.

from the onset

Emphasizes the very beginning of something, suggesting immediacy.

upon initiation

Replaces "start" with "initiation", indicating a formal beginning or introduction.

at the inception

Uses a more formal and technical term, "inception", to indicate the start or beginning.

when initiating

Transforms the phrase into a gerund phrase, focusing on the act of beginning.

as it commences

Replaces "start" with "commences", offering a more formal tone and emphasizing the action of beginning.

to begin with

Offers a more direct and simple way to indicate the beginning of a sequence or action.

in its initial phase

Shifts the focus to the early stages of something rather than just the starting point.

marking the kickoff

Uses "kickoff" as a more dynamic and informal term for the start.

at ground zero

Implies starting from the very basic or foundational level.

FAQs

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

You can use "as the start" to indicate the beginning of a process, event, or period. For example, "As the start of the project, we need to define our goals".

What are some alternatives to "as the start"?

Alternatives include "at the beginning", "to begin with", or "from the onset". Each carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your context. Consider also "upon initiation" or "at the commencement" for more formal contexts.

Is "as the start" formal or informal?

"As the start" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though simpler alternatives may be preferred in very casual situations. The formality also depends on the surrounding vocabulary.

What is the difference between "as the start" and "at the beginning"?

"As the start" and "at the beginning" are very similar, but "as the start" may imply a more specific point of initiation, while "at the beginning" can refer to a more general initial phase. Consider also "from the onset", which implies a more immediate beginning.