start a quest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start a quest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initiation of a journey or adventure, often in a fictional or gaming context. Example: "In the game, players can start a quest to find the lost treasure hidden in the mountains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"They did start a quest, a sort of mission, when Irish 18th-century buildings were completely unfashionable," said Desmond FitzGerald, the Knight of Glin, an early convert to the Guinness cause and, since 1991, president of the Irish Georgian Society.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But when Osman died, Mohamed started a quest to find out more about his father and what it means to be Nubian.

The New York Times

As a result, Mataragas left Greece for London and started a quest of musical and spiritual exploration that has seen him spend the last decade and several albums developing a bizarre genre all of his own: PAN.

The Guardian - Music

And so started a quest to bring awareness to the Hindu roots of yoga and, in turn, gain acknowledgement of yoga as one of Hinduism's great gifts.

Huffington Post

Patients started a quest for effective treatment once they realised the full extent of the symptoms.

BMC Palliative Care

In less than a decade, the United States, having completed its internal expansion, would also start an international quest for markets and territories; and Kipling would be on hand to exhort the country to share the white man's burden and civilize the natives of Asia and Africa.

The New York Times

When school officials chose one of the places she had studied, Club Getaway, a recreation center in Kent, Conn., Natalie started a new quest for information.

The New York Times

So, I started a spiritual quest, and, really, what I found out was that when you can be as happy in your sadness as you are in your happiness, then you know the key to life.

Huffington Post

Whether you are looking to maintain an active lifestyle or are on a quest to start a new one, most fitness professionals agree that breakfast is a fundamental meal in one's day.

HuffPost

It sounds like the moral of a feel-good movie: A man of the people sets out on a quest to start a conversation in the citizenry, a fellowship of the voter of sorts, and launch a debate that celebrates one another's political differences, not set them aside.

Huffington Post

All Bikes: All the bikes are yours but first you have to start a game in Pro Quest Mode and pick your rider.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start a quest", consider the tone and context. It implies a significant undertaking, often with a sense of adventure or discovery. Avoid using it for mundane tasks.

Common error

While "start a quest" is acceptable, it can sound informal or dramatic in professional settings. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "begin a project" or "initiate a study" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start a quest" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a significant undertaking. Based on examples provided by Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to describe the commencement of a mission or adventure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start a quest" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression used to describe the beginning of a journey or mission. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its acceptability in written English. While versatile, it's important to consider the context, as it carries a sense of adventure or significant undertaking. More formal alternatives like "begin a project" may be more appropriate in professional settings. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across various domains, including news, science, and general writing, reinforcing its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin a mission

Replaces "quest" with "mission", suggesting a more concrete and defined goal.

embark on a journey

Emphasizes the travel and exploratory aspect of the undertaking.

commence an adventure

Focuses on the exciting and unpredictable nature of the endeavor.

initiate an expedition

Suggests a more organized and scientific exploration.

pursue an objective

Highlights the determination to achieve a specific aim.

undertake a search

Highlights the act of looking for something specific.

take on a challenge

Focuses on the difficulty and effort involved in the task.

launch a campaign

Implies a coordinated effort towards a particular goal.

kick off an initiative

Suggests starting a new project or program.

set out on a pilgrimage

Implies a journey with a spiritual or meaningful purpose.

FAQs

What does "start a quest" mean?

The phrase "start a quest" means to begin a journey or mission, usually with a specific goal in mind. It often implies a challenging or adventurous undertaking.

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

You can use "start a quest" to describe initiating a search, adventure, or important mission, as in "The protagonist decided to "start a quest" to find the legendary artifact."

What can I say instead of "start a quest"?

You can use alternatives like "begin a mission", "embark on a journey", or "undertake a search" depending on the context.

Is "start a quest" formal or informal?

The phrase "start a quest" is generally considered somewhat informal, particularly when used outside of fictional or gaming contexts. More formal alternatives might include "initiate an investigation" or "commence a project".