he would start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he would start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a future action or intention that is conditional or hypothetical. Example: "If he had the opportunity, he would start his own business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Maybe he would start dating.

The New York Times

"I am certain he would start again.

Independent

Then he would start swinging.

The New York Times - Sports

"Then he would start screaming".

The New York Times

He would start anyone at quarterback.

The New York Times - Sports

He would start his own party.

The Guardian

He would start again from nothing.

The New Yorker

Maybe he would start to feel better now.

The New Yorker

Kelly was told Friday night that he would start.

The New York Times - Sports

Then he would start something and she would finish it.

The New Yorker

He would start to do more with less.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he would start" to express a conditional or hypothetical future action, often depending on certain circumstances. For example, "If he had the resources, he would start his own company."

Common error

Avoid using "he would start" when a simple future tense like "he will start" is more appropriate, especially when describing a definite future event not contingent on any condition. For example, instead of saying "He would start the project tomorrow", say "He will start the project tomorrow" if it's a confirmed plan.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he would start" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a conditional or hypothetical future action. It suggests what someone would do under certain circumstances. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from sports to personal intentions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he would start" is a versatile verb phrase primarily used to express conditional or hypothetical actions in the future. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various forms of communication. While alternatives like "he would begin" or "he was going to start" exist, understanding the nuances of each helps in precise expression. Remember to use "he will start" for definite future actions and reserve "he would start" for scenarios contingent on specific conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was going to begin

Focuses on the intention to begin, similar to "he would start" but uses a more explicit expression of intent.

he was about to commence

Indicates an imminent start, emphasizing readiness and preparation.

he intended to initiate

Highlights the planned or deliberate nature of the start, adding a layer of intention.

he was on the verge of beginning

Emphasizes the nearness of the start, suggesting a point close to the action.

he prepared to get underway

Implies a readiness to launch or initiate something, with a sense of purpose.

he made ready to launch

Highlights preparation and readiness for a significant beginning or launch.

he purposed to inaugurate

Adds a formal tone, implying a ceremonial or official beginning.

he set out to initiate

Focuses on the action of setting forth with the intention to begin something.

he resolved to activate

Highlights a firm decision to bring something into action or start a process.

he planned to trigger

Suggests a planned action that will initiate a series of events.

FAQs

How can I use "he would start" in a sentence?

You can use "he would start" to express a hypothetical or conditional action in the future. For instance, "If he had more time, "he would start" learning a new language."

What phrases are similar to "he would start"?

Similar phrases include "he would begin", "he was going to start", or "he was about to start", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to use "he would start" to describe a past event?

While "he would start" can be used to describe a habitual action in the past, it's more commonly used for hypothetical or conditional future events. For past habitual actions, consider using "he used to start" or "he would always start".

What's the difference between "he will start" and "he would start"?

"He will start" indicates a definite future action, whereas ""he would start"" often suggests a conditional or hypothetical action. For example, "He will start the meeting at 9 AM" versus "If he is ready, "he would start" the presentation."