from a start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from a start" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear in meaning.
It could be used in contexts where you want to indicate the beginning point of something, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "From a start, we need to establish clear goals for the project."

News & Media

Science

Sports

Business

Technology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Right from a start, there's a great sense of authenticity.

The Guardian - Tech

He was scratched from a start 12 minutes before the first pitch.

The New York Times - Sports

On Aug. 10, 2006, Prior was pulled from a start against the Milwaukee Brewers after three innings.

The New York Times - Sports

He remained underwater for the full 15 meters that swimmers are permitted from a start or a turn.

The New York Times - Sports

From a start of $21 on April 5, it hit a high of $108.50 on Nov. 2.

The New York Times

From a start in Haydn's fundamentals Beethoven proceeded to erect mountains, wrestle demons and gaze on eternity within the sublime sprawl of his late quartets.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Q. You've taken the company from a start-up to about 2,000 employees.

The New York Times

Fandango is facing competition from a start-up called Atom Tickets.

The New York Times

Nobody wears name badges and it's not easy to distinguish a corporate executive from a start-up entrepreneur.

Independent

Under Schmidt, the company became, practically speaking, Google: it grew from a start-up player into the dominant force.

The Guardian - Opinion

The home field force now uses specialized HTC Fuze phones, Microsoft software, a mobile videoconferencing application from a start-up called iVisit, and the AT&T network service.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing growth or progress, specify what is growing or progressing from the initial point. For example, "The company grew from a start-up to a major corporation."

Common error

Be careful not to use "from a start" when you mean "starting from scratch". The former simply indicates a beginning, while the latter implies building something entirely new without any existing foundation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from a start" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to indicate the origin or initial state of an action, process, or situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is acceptable but not the most common way to express this idea. Consider the example: "From a start in Europe in 1988..."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Sports

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Technology

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "from a start" is used to indicate the beginning or origin of something, but as Ludwig AI notes, it is not the most common or grammatically preferred way to express this idea. While grammatically acceptable, using alternatives like "from the beginning" or "from the outset" can enhance clarity. The phrase appears across various contexts, including news, science, and sports, and while not incorrect, choosing more standard alternatives can improve the overall quality and readability of your writing. Given its moderate frequency, writers should be mindful of the context and consider whether a more conventional phrase might serve better.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from the beginning

Replaces "a start" with the more common and grammatically standard "the beginning".

from the outset

Emphasizes the initial stage or commencement of an event or project.

at the start

Uses "at" instead of "from" to indicate a point in time.

initially

A single-word adverb that conveys the sense of 'at first'.

from inception

Highlights the origin or very beginning of something.

from its origin

Focuses on the point where something began or originated.

from day one

Idiomatic expression stressing immediate and consistent action or state.

right from the get-go

Informal idiom emphasizing the very beginning of an activity.

since the start

Highlights a continuing state or action that began at the start.

from scratch

Implies starting completely anew without any prior preparation or advantage.

FAQs

What does "from a start" mean?

The phrase "from a start" refers to the initial point or beginning of something. However, it's often clearer and more common to use alternatives like "from the beginning" or "from the outset".

How can I use "from a start" in a sentence?

While grammatically correct, "from a start" can sound awkward. Instead, try phrasing your sentence with "at the beginning" or "in the initial stage" to improve clarity.

Which is correct, "from a start" or "from the start"?

"From the start" is more grammatically standard and commonly used than "from a start". Using "the" specifies a particular beginning, while "a" implies a more general initial point.

What are some alternatives to "from a start"?

Some alternatives include "from the beginning", "at the start", "initially", or even "from scratch" depending on the context.