start a consultation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start a consultation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initiation of a formal discussion or meeting to seek advice or information, often in a professional or medical context. Example: "To address your concerns, we can start a consultation to discuss your options in detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He will start a consultation with London Councils, which represents the 32 boroughs, on the issue.

The Guardian

Start a consultation in the buildup to an election unless it is essential to do so.

The Guardian

Consumer groups warned that other big six companies would be poised to push through their own increases shortly, while the energy regulator, Ofgem, promised to start a consultation on how to improve the transparency of company profits.

The Guardian - Business

Last month, Manchester council became the latest local authority to start a consultation on a PSPO that would make "aggressive or intimidating begging" and "using a tent in a manner likely to create a health and safety risk" liable to a £100 spot fine.

The Guardian

The Home Office will start a consultation soon on how direct entry will work.

BBC

As a result, it said it would start a consultation with employees about potential job losses at its site in Boston, Lincolnshire.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Last November, the council started a consultation process with tenants on how to regenerate the estate.

The Guardian

The recommendations have been put forward by the Food Standards Agency, which has started a consultation.

The Telegraph

This month the FRC announced it was to conduct a new review and started a consultation exercise, asking for ideas and contributions.

The Guardian - Business

The government said it was also starting a consultation on a reform of APD, including a plan to extend it to cover private jets.

The Guardian

"We'd like to see the government going much further and starting a consultation with disabled people on the wholesale reform of the fitness-for-work test.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start a consultation", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of consultation being initiated (e.g., medical, legal, employee). This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "start a consultation" when the intention is to simply have a discussion or conversation. A consultation implies a formal process of seeking expert advice or guidance, not just a casual exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start a consultation" functions as a verb phrase that signifies the beginning of a formal advisory or discussion process. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used to describe the commencement of a structured interaction aimed at gathering information or seeking expert advice.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start a consultation" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to indicate the beginning of a formal advisory or discussion process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most frequently encountered in news, business, and scientific contexts. While synonyms like "initiate a consultation" offer alternatives, the choice depends on the desired level of formality. When using this phrase, ensure the type of consultation is clear and avoid using it for casual discussions. Remember that a consultation is a structured process, not merely a conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate a consultation

Replaces "start" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the official commencement of the consultation.

begin a consultation

Offers a more neutral alternative to "start", suggesting a simple commencement.

commence a consultation

Similar to "initiate", but carries a slightly stronger sense of formality and officialdom.

launch a consultation

Implies a more proactive and public initiation of the consultation process.

undertake a consultation

Shifts the focus to the act of engaging in a consultation process, rather than just beginning it.

hold a consultation

Emphasizes the act of conducting or hosting the consultation.

establish a consultation

Highlights the setting up or creation of a consultation process.

institute a consultation

Implies a formal and systematic introduction of a consultation process.

convene a consultation

Suggests gathering parties together for the purpose of consultation.

arrange a consultation

Focuses on the logistical aspects of setting up the consultation.

FAQs

How can I use "start a consultation" in a sentence?

You can use "start a consultation" to indicate the beginning of a formal advisory process. For example: "The company decided to "start a consultation" with employees regarding the proposed changes to their benefits package."

What are some alternatives to "start a consultation"?

Alternatives to "start a consultation" include "initiate a consultation", "begin a consultation", or "launch a consultation", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it better to say "begin a consultation" or "start a consultation"?

"Begin a consultation" and "start a consultation" are largely interchangeable. "Begin" may sound slightly more formal, but both are grammatically correct and widely accepted. Choose the option that best fits the tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "start a consultation" and "seek advice"?

"Start a consultation" refers to the formal initiation of an advisory process, often with an expert or professional. "Seek advice" is a more general term that implies simply asking for guidance or opinions, which may or may not involve a structured consultation.