let's start

USAGE SUMMARY

"Let's start" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English
For example: Let's start by making a list of items that need to be purchased for the party.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Let's start from scratch".

The New Yorker

"Let's start learning English.

The New York Times - Sports

Let's start.

Yale University

But let's start here.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let's start with mathematics.

Yale University

Let's start with acceleration.

Yale University

Let's start with that.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let's start big.

Princeton University

Let's start with policy.

University of California, Berkeley

Let's start with Mozart.

Yale University

Let's start with suppliers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Let's start" to introduce a new topic, activity, or phase in a discussion or project. It's a friendly way to signal the beginning.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "Let's start" in highly formal writing. Opt for phrases like "To begin" or "We shall commence" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Let's start" functions as an imperative, prompting action or suggesting the initiation of a task or discussion. Ludwig examples illustrate its role in beginning various activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Let's start" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to initiate actions or discussions across various contexts. As noted by Ludwig, it's a versatile phrase applicable in academic, news, and business settings, although it may be less appropriate in highly formal writing where alternatives like "To begin" are preferred. The analysis indicates that while "Let's start" is widely used, understanding its appropriate register ensures effective communication. Ludwig's examples showcase its frequent use in initiating tasks and transitioning discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Let's begin

A direct synonym for "Let's start".

Let's commence

Replaces "start" with the more formal "commence".

Shall we begin

Uses a question format to propose starting.

We should start

More of a suggestion than an invitation.

How about we start

Proposes starting as an option.

Let us initiate

A more formal and less common way to say "Let's start".

It's time to start

Emphasizes the timing of the start.

Let's get underway

Replaces start with a phrase that means beginning a journey or process.

We'll kick off

Uses informal language, implying a beginning.

To begin with

Similar in meaning but structured as a phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "let's start" in a sentence?

"Let's start" is used to suggest initiating something, like "Let's start the meeting" or "Let's start brainstorming".

What are some alternatives to "let's start"?

You can use phrases such as "Let's begin", "We should start", or "to begin with", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "let's start" or "let us start"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "let's start" is more conversational and commonly used. "Let us start" is more formal.

When is it appropriate to use "let's start"?

"Let's start" is appropriate in most informal and semi-formal settings when initiating a task, discussion, or activity. Avoid in strictly formal writing where phrases like "to commence" are better.