start a message

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start a message" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate the beginning of a communication, such as an email, text, or any form of written correspondence. Example: "To ensure clarity, I will start a message outlining the key points we discussed in the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Then they can be selected by name to start a message or group message thread.

TechCrunch

How to start a message in a way that's neither boring nor over-the-top?

HuffPost

Who out there hasn't rejected someone purely because he or she decided to start a message with "Ur profile... .. 6. Feel free to make the first move.

Huffington Post

1. Start a message with a friend 2. Tap the $ icon and enter the amount you want to send 3. Tap Pay in the top right and add your debit card to send money.

Huffington Post

Start a message.

WikiHow

If you get tired of your basic selection of emoticons, try using the following steps to get more: Start a message to one of your friends.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Before she left the palace, she wrote: "I touched an electric button by which I started a message which was telegraphed through the whole Empire".

The Guardian

At a Hertz rental car outlet in Denver, people had started a message board on an out-of-order Pepsi machine: "Travel to California (San Diego or else), will share $$$"; "Need ride to New York area.

The New York Times

On January 31 , 2001 Al Thagher's Class of 1976 started a message group on Yahoo, where they exchange news about old friends and occasionally discuss questions about religion and politics, a participant told me.

The New Yorker

From starting a message thread via text, she would send pictures of her shirts, bags and shoes and then would swap the items at lunch.

Forbes

When customers visit these customer service Twitter accounts, they'll also see a new, more prominent button to start a Direct Message with the business in question.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone, specify the platform or method for starting a message (e.g., "To start a message on WhatsApp, tap the pencil icon").

Common error

Avoid vague instructions like "Start a message" without specifying where or how. Always provide context or platform-specific steps to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start a message" primarily functions as an imperative or descriptive phrase used to indicate the action of beginning a written communication. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it often appears in instructions or guides.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start a message" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood way to describe the act of beginning a written communication. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides examples across diverse sources like News & Media and WikiHow. While not exceptionally frequent, its usage is consistent, and the phrase is suitable for various contexts, primarily with a neutral register. Remember to provide specific context when using the phrase to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiate a message

Emphasizes the action of beginning a message, similar to "start a message" but with a slightly more formal tone.

begin a message

A direct synonym, focusing on the action of commencing a message.

compose a message

Highlights the creation and structuring of a message.

create a message

Focuses on the act of generating a new message.

draft a message

Implies preparing a preliminary version of a message.

open a message

Describes opening an existing message thread or application to begin a new message.

send a message

Focuses on the act of transmitting a message, rather than just beginning it.

commence messaging

A more formal way of saying "start a message" or begin messaging.

launch a message

Suggests formally beginning the process of sending a message.

kick off a message

An informal way of saying "start a message", often used in casual contexts.

FAQs

What is the best way to "start a message" in a professional email?

In a professional email, "starting a message" with a clear subject line and a polite opening can set a positive tone.

What are some alternatives to "start a message"?

You can use alternatives like "initiate a message", "begin a message", or "compose a message" depending on the context.

How do I "start a message" effectively on social media?

On social media, "starting a message" often involves using a direct question or a catchy opening line to grab attention.

What's the difference between "start a message" and "send a message"?

"Start a message" refers to the initial act of beginning to write a communication, while "send a message" implies completing and transmitting it. You "start a message", then you "send a message".