kick off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kick off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the start of an event or activity. Example: "We will kick off the meeting at 10 AM sharp."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Chelsea will kick off.

The New York Times

Spain will kick off.

The New York Times

When does it kick off?

Independent

"Now I can't kick off.

The New York Times - Sports

Michigan about to kick off.

The New York Times

Granada to kick off.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Kick-off approaches.

The Guardian - Sport

KICK-OFF: Friday, 8pm.

Independent

Kick-off: 7.45pm BST.

The Guardian - Sport

It's time for kick-off.

Independent

Kick-off 2pm.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kick off" in formal writing, consider if a more precise or formal synonym like "commence" or "initiate" would be more appropriate. However, in more casual contexts, "kick off" is perfectly acceptable and can add a sense of energy to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "kick off" excessively in academic papers or business reports. While it's a common phrase, its informal tone can detract from the seriousness of your writing. Opt for alternatives like "begin" or "commence" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "kick off" primarily functions as a verb, indicating the start or beginning of an event, activity, or process. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, from sports to project management, aligning with its definition as a verb phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "kick off" is a common and versatile expression used to denote the beginning of an event, project, or activity. Ludwig AI highlights its wide application, ranging from sports to project management. While generally acceptable in neutral to informal contexts, more formal alternatives like "begin" or "commence" may be preferable in academic or professional writing. Its frequency is categorized as common, primarily appearing in news and media sources. When choosing to use "kick off", consider your audience and the desired tone to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin

A straightforward and general way to indicate the start of something.

get underway

Suggests that something is starting, often after a period of preparation.

launch

Suggests starting something with a degree of fanfare or publicity.

get going

A more casual way to say start moving or start an activity.

commence

A more formal way to say start or begin, often used in official contexts.

open

Implies formally beginning or starting an event.

initiate

Implies the beginning of a formal process or action.

set in motion

Implies starting a process that will continue on its own.

start the ball rolling

Means to initiate an activity or process, often to encourage others to participate.

get the show on the road

An informal way to say let's start or begin something.

FAQs

How to use "kick off" in a sentence?

You can use "kick off" to mean starting a game (The teams will kick off at 3 PM) or starting a project (Let's kick off this project with a meeting).

What can I say instead of "kick off"?

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

Which is correct, "kick off" or "start off"?

Both "kick off" and "start off" are correct, but "kick off" often implies a more energetic or formal beginning, while "start off" is more general.

What's the difference between "kick off" and "start"?

"Kick off" often implies the beginning of a specific event or project, while "start" is a more general term for beginning any activity. For example, you might "kick off" a project but simply "start" working.