helps to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "helps to start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing assistance or support in initiating a process or action. Example: "This program helps to start your journey towards financial independence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It helps to start early.

The New York Times - Food

It helps to start from a very low level.

The New York Times

To peer into the future of magic, it helps to start by looking at its past.

The Economist

In thinking about this question, it probably helps to start at the beginning.

The New York Times

It helps to start by looking at the ways in which people connect to the Internet.

The New York Times

To figure out the answer, it helps to start with a bit of refresher on how the 529 plans work.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"We all need help to start with.

The Guardian - Money

We helped to start the first recycling program at Warwick.

The New York Times

She is helping to start the school's first newspaper.

The New York Times

He later helped to start and run its United States operations.

The New York Times

He was also helping to start a magazine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "helps to start", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what is being assisted in initiating, providing context for its contribution. For example: "A strong foundation helps to start a successful business".

Common error

Avoid using "helps to start" with an unclear subject. This can lead to ambiguity about what is actually providing the assistance. For example, instead of "This helps to start", specify what "this" refers to. For instance: "This tool helps to start the engine".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "helps to start" functions as a causal connector, linking an action or element that provides assistance to the commencement of a process or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "helps to start" is a grammatically correct and acceptable phrase that indicates assistance in initiating an action or process. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, with some usage in Science and Wiki as well. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives exist for academic or professional writing. Using this phrase effectively involves ensuring a clear subject and avoiding vague references to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assists in beginning

Substitutes "helps" with "assists" maintaining a similar level of formality while replacing "start" with "beginning".

aids in commencing

Focuses on the 'aiding' aspect while substituting 'start' with the more formal 'commencing'.

is instrumental in starting

Highlights the importance of the subject in the starting process using 'instrumental'.

facilitates the initiation of

Replaces "helps" with "facilitates" and "start" with "initiation of" creating a more formal and process-oriented expression.

enables the start of

Focuses on enabling or making possible the start of something.

supports the launch of

Uses 'supports' to replace 'helps' and 'launch' for 'start', implying a more active role in the commencement.

makes it easier to initiate

Shifts the focus to ease of initiation, providing a more descriptive alternative to simply 'helping'.

plays a role in initiating

Emphasizes the involvement of something in the starting process.

contributes to the commencement of

A more formal and elaborate way of saying something aids in starting something.

paves the way for beginning

Suggests that something removes obstacles to beginning the process.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "helps to start" in a sentence?

Alternatives include "aids in beginning", "facilitates the initiation of", or "assists in beginning" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "helps to start" formal or informal?

"Helps to start" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "facilitates the initiation of" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What is the difference between "helps to start" and "allows to start"?

"Helps to start" implies assistance in the beginning of a process, while "allows to start" suggests permission or enablement. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize assistance or permission.

How to use "helps to start" in a sentence?

Use "helps to start" to indicate that something is providing assistance in initiating an action or process. For example: "This guide helps to start your fitness journey".