opted to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opted to start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating a choice or decision to begin something, often in a formal or written context. Example: "After careful consideration, she opted to start her own business rather than continue in her current job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Malachy took her values on board and opted to start stealing from family and friends instead.

The Guardian

With a nod to artist Michael Landy's possession-crushing installation, Boorman opted to start afresh.

The Guardian

After much soul-searching, and having found an alternative site at Sanand in Gujarat, Mr Tata opted to start again.

The Economist

In an interview, Dr. Ramphele said she had opted to start her own movement because South Africa needed a fresh start.

The New York Times

Once at the reef, Frank and Anda opted to start with a turbocharged Zodiac boat tour that would whisk them to three prime snorkeling spots.

The New York Times - Travel

Grade: 3 Michael Essien Normally planted in the midfield, Manager Avram Grant opted to start Essien as the right back, opposite Cristiano Ronaldo.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Rooney insists he is happy to play within whatever system Fabio Capello opts to start with against Algeria.

Independent

It's hardly surprising therefore that women are opting to start their own businesses rather than play by the (largely) man-made rules dreamt up by big corporations.

The Guardian

The New Orleans Saints quelled a quarterback controversy by opting to start Aaron Brooks, who is in his fourth N.F.L season, and not re-signing the veteran Jeff Blake.

The New York Times - Sports

The Yankees may add a third catcher, Chad Moeller, if they opt to start Burnett's usual catcher, Francisco Cervelli, instead of Jorge Posada, who was passed over for Jose Molina in each of Burnett's five postseason starts last year.

The New York Times - Sports

Kicked out of art school and stewing in his squalid bedsit, Malcolm opts to start his own political party, the Dynamic Erectionist Party, enlisting fellow students Wick, Ingham and the lumbering, loquacious Nipple in a struggle against the so-called conformist "eunarchy".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "opted to start", ensure the context clearly indicates a deliberate choice or decision. Avoid using it when describing actions taken without conscious consideration.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "opted to start" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using more natural alternatives like "decided to begin" or "chose to start" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opted to start" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate choice or decision to commence an action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, showcasing examples where individuals or entities intentionally begin a process or activity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sports

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opted to start" is a verb phrase used to indicate a conscious decision to begin an action. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, sports, and business. While suitable for formal writing, consider more casual alternatives in informal settings. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources. For instance, it can be used like "After careful consideration, she opted to start her own business". Remember to consider formality and context when choosing whether to use "opted to start" or similar phrases like "chose to begin".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose to begin

Replaces "opted" with "chose" and "start" with "begin", maintaining the core meaning of selecting an action to commence.

decided to initiate

Substitutes "opted" with "decided" and "start" with "initiate", emphasizing the decisiveness of the action and using a more formal term for beginning.

elected to commence

Replaces "opted" with "elected" and "start" with "commence", suggesting a formal or deliberate choice to begin.

resolved to undertake

Replaces "opted" with "resolved" and "start" with "undertake", highlighting the firm decision to embark on a new endeavor.

determined to launch

Substitutes "opted" with "determined" and "start" with "launch", indicating a strong resolve to initiate something, often a project or venture.

saw fit to initiate

Replaces "opted" with "saw fit" offering a very formal and sophisticated way of saying that one considered something appropriate to do and chose to begin.

took the decision to begin

Emphasizes the decision-making process leading to the act of starting, by using the term "took the decision" instead of opting.

made the choice to commence

Highlights the selection aspect of starting something, using "made the choice" instead of opting.

favored beginning

Expresses a preference for starting something, replacing "opted" with "favored", and focusing on the beginning itself.

inclined to initiate

Suggests a tendency or leaning towards starting something, substituting "opted" with "inclined", which is more of a preference than a hard decision.

FAQs

How can I use "opted to start" in a sentence?

You can use "opted to start" to indicate a conscious decision to begin something. For example, "After careful consideration, she "opted to start" her own business".

What are some alternatives to "opted to start"?

You can use alternatives like "chose to begin", "decided to initiate", or "elected to commence" depending on the context.

Is "opted to start" formal or informal?

"Opted to start" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "decided to start" or "chose to begin".

When is it appropriate to use "opted to start" instead of "decided to start"?

Use "opted to start" when you want to emphasize the deliberate and considered nature of the decision. "Decided to start" is more neutral and suitable for everyday use.