kick off proceedings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kick off proceedings" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the start of an event or formal process, such as a meeting, ceremony, or conference. Example: "The mayor will kick off proceedings with a welcoming speech to all attendees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Kick off proceedings with a mango mojito on the roof of Malagana (00 57 5660 1360), a café and bar with open-mic nights and low-key DJ sets.

Independent

Castleford will kick off proceedings before the action moves to Sheffield.

The Economist

It's been promoted or demoted, depending on your stance, and will now kick off proceedings.

The Guardian - Film

The Daily Mail says that Episode III - Revenge of the Sith will kick off proceedings on the Croisette, which enjoys a tradition of high-profile launches.

The Guardian - Film

With four days to go until Celtic and Chelsea kick off proceedings in Seattle, five of the 11 matches are reportedly sold out.

The Guardian - Sport

Underground Resistance kick off proceedings, the guerilla idealists of Detroit techno playing live with one-time members Jeff Mills and Robert Hood.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Kicking off proceedings, Peter Bradshaw gives his verdict on the films that mattered most, charting the impact of politics and society, the people we lost or those whose influence grew, and the government backing of British film like never before.

The Guardian

After a scene-setting preamble kicks off proceedings, in which you learn that you're a Vektan (a suspiciously human-like race) called Lucas Kellan, and that following a war with the Helghast, Vekta City has been divided with a huge wall, so the Helghast are right on your doorstep.

The Guardian - Tech

Kicking off proceedings is Sean Spits, who will be hitting the Hotel Street stage tonight (Tuesday, 12th June) with support from The Black Jaspers.

Vice

The juddering sonic assault which kicks off proceedings certainly packs a punch.

Independent

Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan all kicked off proceedings by discussing the recent feud between John Cena and WWE Champion Brock Lesnar.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kick off proceedings" when you want to emphasize the initiation of a formal or structured event. It's suitable for news reports, formal announcements, or event descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "kick off proceedings" in casual conversation. It's generally more appropriate for formal or semi-formal contexts. In informal situations, use alternatives like "let's start" or "begin".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kick off proceedings" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement or initiation of a formal event, meeting, or process. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase indicates the start of a structured activity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kick off proceedings" is a verb phrase used to describe the start or initiation of an event or formal process. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. While not extremely common, occurring with "Uncommon" frequency, it is appropriate for use in professional and neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase indicates the official commencement of a structured activity. For informal settings, consider using alternatives like "let's start". More formal alternatives include phrases like "initiate the proceedings". Key sources using this phrase include The Guardian and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate the proceedings

Implies a more formal and official start to the event.

commence the event

A more straightforward and universally understood way to say begin.

open the event

Simple way to point out the beginning of something.

start the ball rolling

Suggests beginning an activity with an anticipation of continued action.

get the ball rolling

Similar to "start the ball rolling", but slightly more casual.

begin the session

Used mainly in meetings and conferences.

set the stage

Highlights preparing for what's to come, rather than just beginning.

launch the program

Suitable for larger scale and planned operations.

get underway

Informal, highlighting action beginning.

get going

A casual way to start some activity.

FAQs

What does "kick off proceedings" mean?

The phrase "kick off proceedings" means to start or begin an event, meeting, ceremony, or formal process.

How can I use "kick off proceedings" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "The chairman will "kick off proceedings" with an opening speech."

What's a more formal alternative to "kick off proceedings"?

A more formal alternative is "initiate the proceedings", which implies a more official commencement.

Is it appropriate to use "kick off proceedings" in informal settings?

It's generally better to use simpler phrases like "let's start" or "begin" in informal settings. "Kick off proceedings" is more suited for formal announcements or reports.