start a tour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start a tour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the beginning of a guided journey or exploration, often in the context of travel or sightseeing. Example: "We will start a tour of the historic district at 10 AM, so please arrive a few minutes early."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

They will start a tour next year.

The Guardian - Music

They would start a tour in two weeks.

The New Yorker

It was a good way to start a tour of the city.

The New York Times - Arts

The plaza is also a good place to start a tour of the city by horse carriage.

The New York Times - Travel

The band was scheduled to start a tour with a concert on July 27 in Mansfield, Mass.

The New York Times - Arts

Arcam's shiny, metallic headquarters is a great place to start a tour of the city's vast crane-filled harbor.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Later this year, we're starting a tour, and a film is in the works.

The New York Times

His current band, which is starting a tour, uses two guitars, bass and drums, like Television.

The New York Times - Arts

See articleGeorge Bush started a tour of Europe that is expected to be his last as president.

The Economist

Viking River Cruises (www.vikingrivercruises.com) started a tour company last year and is now offering some new post-cruise land extensions.

The New York Times

After that, word spread through the hostels and, before he knew it, Thomas had started a tour business.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about travel or events, use "start a tour" to clearly indicate the commencement of a guided exploration or journey. For instance, "We will start a tour of the city's historical landmarks promptly at 9 AM."

Common error

Avoid using synonyms of "start" without considering the context. While "begin a tour" is generally interchangeable, phrases like "launch a tour" imply a more formal or promotional context. Choose the word that best fits the tone and purpose of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start a tour" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It indicates the commencement or beginning of a guided journey or exploration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Travel

23%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

3%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start a tour" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase indicating the beginning of a guided exploration or journey. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in travel, event planning, and news reporting. While synonyms like "begin a tour" are often interchangeable, it's essential to consider the specific nuance and formality of alternatives like "launch a tour" or "embark on a tour". By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "start a tour" in your writing to clearly communicate the commencement of a guided experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin a tour

Substitutes "start" with "begin", offering a direct and simple alternative with virtually identical meaning.

commence a tour

Replaces "start" with the more formal "commence", indicating a slightly more elevated register.

initiate a tour

Uses "initiate" instead of "start", suggesting a more planned or organized beginning.

embark on a tour

Replaces "start" with "embark on", framing the tour as a journey or adventure.

launch a tour

Suggests a more organized or promoted beginning, often used in the context of events or products.

set off on a tour

Presents the tour as a departure or journey, emphasizing the act of leaving.

kick off a tour

Employs the informal idiom "kick off" to convey the start of the tour, suitable for casual contexts.

undertake a tour

Replaces "start" with "undertake", highlighting the commitment and effort involved in the tour.

get underway with a tour

Replaces "start" with the idiomatic expression "get underway", indicating that the tour is beginning to progress.

inaugurate a tour

Uses "inaugurate" to imply a formal or ceremonial beginning to the tour.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "start a tour"?

You can use alternatives like "begin a tour", "commence a tour", or "launch a tour" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "initiate a tour" instead of "start a tour"?

Yes, "initiate a tour" is grammatically correct, although it suggests a more formal or organized beginning than simply "start a tour".

In what contexts is "start a tour" most commonly used?

The phrase "start a tour" is frequently used in contexts related to travel, tourism, event planning, and historical explorations, as evidenced by its prevalence in news and media, travel guides, and arts publications.

What's the difference between "start a tour" and "embark on a tour"?

While both phrases indicate the beginning of a tour, "embark on a tour" carries a stronger connotation of adventure and journey, whereas "start a tour" is more neutral and direct.