kicks off

USAGE SUMMARY

"kicks off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to mean either beginning or starting. For example, "The game kicks off at 7pm".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Flatpack kicks off tonight.

The Guardian - Film

The match kicks off at 9pm.

Independent

This show kicks off their international tour.

The New York Times - Arts

The parade kicks off at 11 a.m.

The New York Times

The tournament kicks off on 10 June.

Independent

The Musical," kicks off on Aug. 10.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Kicked off so bad".

Independent

Spain will kick off.

The New York Times

Chelsea will kick off.

The New York Times

Arianda kicked off her crinoline.

The New Yorker

8 20 P.M. Dallas and Washington kick off.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience: "Kicks off" may not be appropriate for highly formal or academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "kicks off" in contexts that require a more formal or professional tone. Alternatives like "begins" or "commences" may be more suitable for formal reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kicks off" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, indicating the start or commencement of an event, activity, or process. Ludwig shows it's used to denote when something is initiating.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "kicks off" is a common and generally neutral way to describe the beginning of an event or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media, but less suited for formal academic or business contexts where alternatives like "begins" or "commences" are preferred. While adding a touch of informality and energy, it's important to consider your audience and maintain a consistent tone throughout your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starts

A very common synonym that is often interchangeable with "kicks off".

begins

This is a more straightforward synonym that indicates the start of something.

gets underway

Indicates that something is starting, often an event or activity.

commences

A more formal synonym for beginning something.

opens

Often used for events, performances, or seasons.

launches

Implies a more significant or formal beginning.

initiates

Suggests the start of a process or project.

springs into action

This phrase describes something that begins energetically or suddenly.

sets in motion

Describes starting a process or chain of events.

gets the ball rolling

This idiom describes starting an activity, especially a project.

FAQs

What does "kicks off" mean?

"Kicks off" is a phrasal verb that means to begin or start, often used to describe the beginning of an event, activity, or process.

How can I use "kicks off" in a sentence?

You can use "kicks off" to describe when something begins, for example: "The tournament "starts" on 10 June" or "The show "begins" tonight".

What are some alternatives to "kicks off"?

Some alternatives to "kicks off" include "begins", "starts", "commences", or "gets underway", depending on the context.

Is "kicks off" appropriate for formal writing?

While "kicks off" is widely understood, it is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider using more formal alternatives such as "begins" or "commences".