marked the start of something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marked the start of something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the beginning of a new event, era, or significant change. Example: "The signing of the treaty marked the start of something new in international relations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But Monday marked the start of something new after Robin Soderling's defeat of Nadal the previous afternoon in the fourth round.

The New York Times - Sports

Particularly dispiriting about Mr Hatoyama's sudden departure is that his election last August looked as if it marked the start of something new in Japanese politics after decades of rule by the Liberal Democratic Party LDPP).

The Economist

There had always been a collaborative spirit in the Austrian startup scene, but 2011 marked the start of something different.

TechCrunch

If 2013 marked the start of something special, 2014 was the year Spieth confirmed his status as a genuine rising star of golf.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Without ending the chapter that began then, this one also marks the start of something profoundly new.

The New Yorker

FOR around 550 American servicemen, today marks the start of something new: a return to civilian life.

The Economist

War's ravages are more distant for Iraq, but post-conflict chaos delayed the recovery, and performance in 2012 may mark the start of something more sustained.

The Economist

But these days, just before Apple's 40th birthday (which falls on April 1), it's harder to get the feeling that Apple events mark the start of something huge, even though Apple continues to hold major ones three times per year (usually fall, spring, and in June for its Worldwide Developers Conference).

MIT Technology Review

River vs. Boca might have been the end of a 58-year wait for South America's biggest game to take place on its biggest stage, but it also would mark the start of something, Dominguez said: a new era in the Copa Libertadores, one in which it might not be able to match the glamour of the Champions League, its European sister, but could at least provide an appealing counterweight.

The New York Times - Sports

Yesterday marked the start of it all when radio presenter Gemma Cairney combatted Monday blues with something that looks like Mario KaRainbow Roadnbow Rainbow Road

Vice

The event marked the start of a trend.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marked the start of something" to highlight a clear and recognizable beginning of an event, trend, or period. This phrase is most effective when the 'something' has a tangible or significant impact.

Common error

Avoid using "marked the start of something" for minor or insignificant occurrences. Reserve this phrase for situations where the beginning has a lasting impact or represents a noteworthy change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marked the start of something" functions as a transitive verb phrase where "marked" is the verb, "the start" is the direct object, and "of something" acts as a prepositional phrase modifying "start". As Ludwig AI suggests, this construction clearly signals the inception of a new event or period.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "marked the start of something" is used to emphasize the beginning of a new phase, event, or development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and used to highlight a significant turning point. Although the phrase has a neutral tone and is commonly used in news and media, be careful not to overuse it in trivial contexts. Consider using alternatives like "signaled the commencement of something" or "ushered in a new era" for a more formal tone or to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Began a new chapter

Simplified version, focusing on the commencement of a new phase.

Initiated a new phase

Focuses on the initiation or start of a distinct period.

Signaled the commencement of something

Replaces "marked" with "signaled" and "start" with "commencement", making it more formal.

Commenced a new undertaking

Emphasizes the beginning of a new project or venture.

Ushered in a new era

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate the beginning of a significant period.

Represented the dawn of something

Employs "dawn" metaphorically to suggest the beginning of something promising.

Brought about the inception of something

Replaces "marked the start" with a more formal and complex phrase.

Inaugurated a fresh chapter

Uses "inaugurated" to convey a formal beginning, often of a project or period.

Heralded the rise of something

Implies the start of something that is likely to grow or become prominent.

Was the genesis of something

Indicates the origin or creation point of something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "marked the start of something" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives such as "signaled the commencement of something", "ushered in a new era", or "began a new chapter" depending on the context.

Is "marked the start of something" formal or informal?

The phrase "marked the start of something" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives exist, like "signaled the commencement of something".

What does it mean when something "marked the start of something"?

It means that a particular event or moment signified the beginning of a new phase, period, trend, or significant development. It highlights a transition or turning point.

What are some common things that might "mark the start of something"?

Common examples include the signing of a treaty, which might "mark the start of" a new era of peace, or a significant technological innovation, which could "mark the start of" a new industrial revolution.