start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a verb to indicate the beginning of an action or process. Example: "We will start the meeting at 10 AM sharp."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a start.

The New York Times

"For customers intending to start or finish their journey at King's Cross, consideration should be given to deferring travel plans to either Sunday or Monday.

The Guardian - Business

A good start.

The New York Times

"It is untrue from start to finish, and was quite likely dreamt up by the Labour press office.

The Guardian

Where to start?

The New York Times

There's got to be a way round it so maybe it is time for the FA to stand up and start punishing people for doing it".

The Guardian - Sport

Good start.

The Guardian - Film

That's not a bad start.

The Guardian

"But the electoral reality is that we will not win outright Conservative majorities until we start attracting more of the ethnic vote".

The Guardian

You may cancel a Guardian Masterclass if your notification is received by GNM a minimum of 14 days prior to the start of the Guardian Masterclass.

The Guardian

The purpose of this project was to start a conversation with young people and engage them in making something – we now have nearly 50,000 of them to date.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start" to indicate the beginning of an event, clarify the timeframe for better understanding. For example, "The meeting will start promptly at 9 AM."

Common error

Avoid using "start at" when "start" refers to initiating an action. Instead, use "start doing" or "start to do". For example, say "start writing" instead of "start at writing".

Linguistic Context

The word "start" primarily functions as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it denotes the act of beginning or initiating something. As a noun, it refers to the point or act of commencement. Ludwig examples support this dual functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

24%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "start" is a versatile term primarily used as a verb or noun, indicating the commencement of an action, process, or event. It is grammatically correct and very common in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability. Related phrases include ""begin"", ""commence"", and ""initiate"", offering varied options depending on the desired formality or nuance. When using "start", clarify the timeframe, and avoid using "start at" when referring to actions. Overall, "start" is a reliable and frequently used term across various communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin

Implies a similar action of initiating something, often used interchangeably.

commence

A more formal synonym for "start", suitable for official contexts.

initiate

Suggests taking the first step in a process or project.

kick off

An informal term meaning to begin something, often an event or project.

set about

Indicates starting a task with a specific intention or approach.

embark on

Suggests beginning a journey or significant undertaking.

get underway

Implies that something is beginning to move or progress.

launch into

Indicates beginning something with enthusiasm or force.

get off the ground

Describes starting a project or initiative and making initial progress.

set in motion

Refers to initiating a series of events or actions.

FAQs

How can I use "start" in a sentence?

You can use "start" in various ways, such as "Let's start the meeting", "The movie will start soon", or "I need to start exercising regularly".

What are some alternatives to the word "start"?

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

Is it correct to say "start at" something?

While you might "start at" a location or time, it's generally better to say "start doing" something or "start to do" something when referring to an action. For example, prefer "start reading" over "start at reading".

What is the difference between "start" and "begin"?

"Start" and "begin" are often interchangeable, but "start" can sometimes imply a more abrupt or immediate commencement, while "begin" may suggest a more gradual or formal initiation.