can make a start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can make a start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the ability to begin a task or project. Example: "If we gather the necessary resources, we can make a start on the project by next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But we can make a start.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It seems impossible, but we have shown we can make a start".

The Guardian

We can make a start on this in a painless and cost-free manner.

The Guardian

The chancellor can make a start to this fix in his budget this week.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if Vicente Fox's government can make a start, these reforms could be one of his most important legacies.

The Economist

Instead it will be a grim battle to see if either team can make a start on rescuing their season.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Now the Uruguayan can make a new start.

The Guardian - Sport

At least, under a new governor Italy's banking industry can make a fresh start.

The Economist

When the bankruptcy order is over you can make a fresh start, usually after a year.

The Guardian

I always make new year's resolutions; I love feeling that I can make a new start.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now that The Rest Is Noise has run its course, the folks at newyorker.com have kindly carved out a space where I can make a fresh start.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can make a start" when you want to express the possibility or ability to initiate a project or task, especially when resources or conditions are not yet ideal.

Common error

While "can make a start" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "initiate", "commence", or "begin" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can make a start" functions as a modal phrase expressing possibility or ability combined with an action. It suggests the capacity to initiate or begin something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can make a start" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that suggests the ability or opportunity to begin something. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and the examples provided confirm its applicability across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While it's not the most frequent phrase, it effectively conveys the idea of initiating an action, even if it's just a preliminary step. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "can begin" or "can initiate". Overall, "can make a start" is a versatile phrase for expressing the possibility of commencing an activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can begin

Focuses on the act of starting, omitting the 'make a' portion.

can commence

Replaces 'start' with a more formal synonym, 'commence'.

can initiate

Uses 'initiate' which emphasizes the act of setting something in motion.

can get underway

Idiomatic alternative suggesting progress is possible.

can set about

Emphasizes taking action to begin something.

can take the first step

Highlights the initial action in a process.

can embark on

Suggests a more significant undertaking or journey.

can lay the foundation

Focuses on establishing a base for future development.

can set in motion

Highlights the act of triggering a process.

can get the ball rolling

Idiomatic expression for initiating activity.

FAQs

What does "can make a start" mean?

The phrase "can make a start" means to have the ability or opportunity to begin something, even if it's just a small beginning or an initial step.

What can I say instead of "can make a start"?

You can use alternatives like "can begin", "can commence", or "can initiate" depending on the context.

Is "can make a start" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can make a start" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English, according to Ludwig AI.

When is it appropriate to use "can make a start"?

It's appropriate to use "can make a start" when you want to convey the idea that something can be initiated or begun, especially if the circumstances are not perfect or if it's just a preliminary effort.