know where to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'know where to start' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is just beginning to work on a project or tackle a difficult task. For example, "I felt overwhelmed with my new job responsibilities; I didn't even know where to start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I wouldn't know where to start".

The New York Times - Arts

How do you know where to start?

The New York Times

"I don't know where to start.

The New York Times

"I wouldn't really know where to start.

Independent

"I don't even know where to start".

The New York Times - Magazine

I honestly don't know where to start.

The New York Times

"You don't even know where to start".

The New York Times

It's hard to know where to start.

The New York Times

I didn't know where to start.

The New York Times - Tech

The innocent doesn't know where to start.

The Guardian - Opinion

I just didn't know where to start.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "know where to start" to express uncertainty or a lack of direction when faced with a complex or overwhelming task. It effectively communicates the feeling of being lost or unsure of the initial steps.

Common error

Avoid using "know where to start" when you actually have a general idea but lack specific details. In such cases, it's better to express a need for more information or clarification rather than implying complete cluelessness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "know where to start" functions as a predicate complement, often following verbs like do, don't, would, or wouldn't. It expresses the ability or inability to identify an initial action or beginning point for a task or process. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "know where to start" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express uncertainty or a lack of direction when facing a task. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and understood. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, most frequently in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects your lack of a starting point and consider alternative phrases like "understand the starting point" or "determine the initial step" to better fit the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

understand the starting point

Focuses on comprehension rather than just knowing.

determine the initial step

Emphasizes a specific action to begin with.

identify the beginning

Highlights the act of recognizing the commencement of something.

figure out how to commence

Centers on devising a method to initiate an action.

discern the point of origin

Suggests a more profound understanding of the situation's roots.

establish the groundwork

Implies setting up a foundation for further action.

ascertain the first move

Highlights finding the best initial action to take.

find a place to begin

Focuses on discovering the physical or conceptual starting location.

discover the inception

Points to revealing the origins or the very start of something.

recognize the threshold

Implies identifying the point of entry or transition.

FAQs

How can I use "know where to start" in a sentence?

You can use "know where to start" to indicate a lack of direction or understanding on how to begin a task. For instance, "The project was so complex, I didn't "know where to start"".

What can I say instead of "know where to start"?

Alternatives include phrases like "understand the starting point", "determine the initial step", or "identify the beginning" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "know where to start" or "know how to start"?

Both are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Know where to start" implies understanding the appropriate place or point to begin, while "know how to start" suggests understanding the method or process for beginning something.

What's the difference between "I don't know where to start" and "I don't know how to start"?

"I don't know where to start" expresses uncertainty about the initial point or location. "I don't know how to start", on the other hand, expresses a lack of knowledge about the procedure or method to begin.