kicking things off

USAGE SUMMARY

"kicking things off" is an idiom that is commonly used in informal, spoken English and it is also used in written English.
You can use it to mean to begin something in an enthusiastic way. For example: "We are kicking things off with a round of applause!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

TechCrunch

Vice

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

They're kicking things off with some clever viral marketing.

Independent

Kicking things off at #FieldDay - fab vibe already.

Independent

We're kicking things off with Wisconsin — home of Representative Paul Ryan.

The New Yorker

2.32pm GMT 1 min Here we go, Johnny Sexton kicking things off left to right.

The Guardian - Sport

We'll be kicking things off at 8pm on BBC1, so gather snacks and booze and join us then!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It's the definition of obscurity," said fiction editor Deborah Treisman, kicking things off with a quote from the Times.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Soros himself kicked things off.

The New Yorker

That sort of kicked things off.

The Guardian - Music

Amanda Lepore kicks things off with a raunchy penthouse party.

The New York Times

We kick things off at noon on the East Coast.

The New York Times

Amy, do you want to kick things off?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kicking things off" to signal an energetic and engaging start to a presentation, project, or event. It sets a tone of enthusiasm and forward momentum.

Common error

Avoid using "kicking things off" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "commencing" or "initiating" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kicking things off" functions as an idiomatic expression used to denote the start or beginning of an event, activity, or process. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, highlighting its role in signaling the initiation of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

TechCrunch

20%

Vice

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kicking things off" is a frequently used idiomatic phrase that signifies the commencement of an event or activity with enthusiasm. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various sources, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts, with formal settings possibly requiring more refined alternatives. The phrase serves to engage the audience and signal the start of something important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting the ball rolling

Emphasizes initiating action or progress, similar to starting a process.

getting the ball rolling

Like "starting the ball rolling", this focuses on initiating action to ensure progress.

starting up

A more general term for beginning any activity or operation.

getting underway

Focuses on the commencement or beginning of something.

initiating the process

Highlights the first step in a sequence of actions.

launching the proceedings

Implies a formal start to a series of events or a structured activity.

inaugurating the event

Implies a formal and ceremonious beginning, often for significant events.

commencing operations

Highlights the official beginning of an activity, often in a business or organizational context.

setting the stage

Refers to preparing or initiating a situation for something to happen.

opening remarks

Specific to starting a speech, meeting, or presentation.

FAQs

How can I use "kicking things off" in a sentence?

You can use "kicking things off" to describe the start of an event, project, or discussion. For example, "We are "kicking things off" with a presentation by our CEO."

What are some alternatives to "kicking things off"?

Alternatives include "starting the ball rolling", "getting underway", or "launching the proceedings", depending on the context.

Is "kicking things off" appropriate for formal writing?

While "kicking things off" is widely understood, it's generally more suited for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "commencing" or "initiating".

What's the difference between "kicking things off" and "starting"?

"Kicking things off" implies a more dynamic and enthusiastic start compared to the more neutral term "starting". It suggests initiating something with energy and momentum.