as the start of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the start of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning point of a process, event, or sequence. Example: "As the start of the project, we will hold a kickoff meeting to outline our goals and expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I saw Crewe as the start of that dream.

The Guardian - Sport

He now pinpoints that defeat as the start of his descent into darkness.

The Guardian - Sport

As recently as the start of December, the companies were worth £4.3bn and £1.9bn respectively.

The Guardian - Business

Some more posts to come from me as the start of the game approaches.

The Guardian

Yet as the start of filming approached, Ms. Warner was hardly nonchalant.

The New York Times

As the start of the race, Ekaterini Thanou of Greece false-started.

The New York Times - Sports

The parade is something of an American institution, perceived as the start of the holiday season.

The Guardian

"People will see this as the start of the 'Kanzlerdämmerung' [twilight of the chancellor]," he said.

The Guardian

The move was cheered by some residents as the start of a renaissance in Red Hook.

The New York Times

Crutzen argued for the late 18th century as the start of the industrial revolution.

The Guardian

As the start of Tengiz oil shipments approaches, statistics are flowing freely, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, replace "as the start of" with phrases like "at the beginning of" or "to begin with" in less formal contexts for a more natural flow.

Common error

Avoid using "as the start of" in very informal or casual writing. Simpler alternatives like "at the start" or "in the beginning" often sound more natural and less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the start of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It introduces a noun or noun phrase, indicating the beginning or initial phase of an event, process, or period. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as the start of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that effectively introduces the beginning of an event or process. It is versatile enough for various contexts, though often perceived as slightly formal. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides ample examples of its usage across diverse domains such as news, science, and business. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "at the beginning of" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the beginning of

Indicates a temporal starting point, similar to "as the start of" but with a slightly more direct and common usage.

to begin with

Functions as an introductory phrase, highlighting the initial stage or action.

with the commencement of

More formal alternative emphasizing the initiation of an event or process.

from the outset of

Highlights the initial phase or stage of something, often implying a plan or intention.

upon the initiation of

Emphasizes the action that triggers the start of something, suitable for formal contexts.

marking the inception of

Highlights the formal beginning or establishment of something, often used in historical or significant contexts.

inaugurating the dawn of

Implies the beginning of a new era or significant development, often used metaphorically.

kickstarting

Informal term meaning to set something into motion, to begin something enthusiastically.

initiating

Highlights the act of beginning something, suggesting a formal or deliberate start.

launching

Suggests a formal or public beginning, often used for projects, products or campaigns.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "as the start of"?

You can use alternatives such as "at the beginning of", "to begin with", or "from the outset of" depending on the context.

Is "as the start of" formal or informal?

"As the start of" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. For more informal situations, consider using simpler phrases like "at the beginning".

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

You can use "as the start of" to introduce the beginning of an event or process, for example, "As the start of the project, we will hold a kickoff meeting".

What's the difference between "as the start of" and "at the start of"?

While both phrases are very similar, "at the start of" might sound slightly more natural in everyday conversation, whereas "as the start of" can add a touch of formality.