it is better to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is better to start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that beginning a task or action is preferable to delaying or avoiding it. Example: "When faced with a challenging project, it is better to start early to ensure you have enough time to complete it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Do you think it is better to start slowly and end fast?

The New York Times

So it is better to start from scratch and customize it, unless the person who moved out was a photographer".

The New York Times

Therefore when requirement of EV conversion is based on cost it is better to start with determining the battery then the required drive components.

Energy Procedia

It is better to start with other measures that can lower blood pressure, like losing weight, cutting back on alcohol and increasing exercise.

The New York Times

But it is better to start with the coppers' trade union on side or at least neutralised rather than backing the Conservatives.

Independent

For logistical reasons, it is better to start in a continent and stay in the same continent, so we are putting together all of the races in Europe.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

We decided it was better to start again, from zero".

The New York Times - Food

It's better to start with 64GB, and preferably more.

The Guardian - Tech

It's better to start from the future.

Harvard Business Review

"It was better to start again, and in the event that was the cheaper option.

Independent

And mechanically we're not sure of anything, so it's better to start over".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering advice, use "it is better to start" to gently suggest a preferred course of action, especially when there might be other valid approaches. Avoid using it in contexts where immediate action is critical; instead, use stronger directives.

Common error

Avoid starting every suggestion with "it is better to start". Vary your advice with phrases like "consider beginning", "try initiating", or directly state the action, such as "begin with…", to keep your writing engaging and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is better to start" functions as an adverbial phrase expressing advice or a recommendation. Ludwig's examples show it's used to suggest a preferred course of action, implying that beginning something is more advantageous than not doing so or doing something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

29%

Wiki

27%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is better to start" is a common and grammatically correct way to offer advice or suggest a preferred course of action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki content, reflecting its broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure the context supports the comparative nature of the suggestion. While generally neutral in tone, consider stronger or more formal alternatives depending on the specific situation and desired impact. Vary your phrasing to avoid overuse and enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's preferable to begin

Changes the verb and uses a different adjective to convey preference.

it's advisable to commence

Employs a more formal verb and adjective, suggesting professional advice.

it would be wiser to initiate

Replaces "better" with "wiser" and "start" with "initiate", adding a tone of caution.

one should ideally begin

Uses a more formal and impersonal construction with 'one' and 'ideally'.

it's a good idea to launch

Substitutes "better" with "good idea" and "start" with "launch", implying a positive suggestion.

the best course is to begin

Focuses on the optimal action using "best course" instead of a simple preference.

the smart move is to initiate

Emphasizes intelligence and strategy by using "smart move".

you're better off starting

Shifts to a direct recommendation using "you're better off".

it is more effective to commence

Highlights efficiency, replacing "better" with "more effective".

it's advantageous to initiate

Focuses on the benefits by using "advantageous".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is better to start" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it is preferable to begin" or "it is advisable to commence". These alternatives provide a more professional and less casual feel.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "it is better to start"?

Avoid using "it is better to start" when conveying urgency or when immediate action is required. In such situations, a more direct and commanding phrase like "begin immediately" or "start now" is more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "it is better to start" that imply a stronger recommendation?

If you want to suggest a stronger course of action, try using phrases such as "it would be wiser to initiate" or "the best course is to begin". These options emphasize the prudence or superiority of the recommended action.

Is "it is better to start" always grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is better to start" is generally grammatically correct. However, ensure that the context supports the comparative nature of the phrase; there should be an implied or explicit alternative action to which starting is considered superior.