start a voyage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start a voyage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the beginning of a journey, particularly one that involves travel by sea or exploration. Example: "After months of preparation, the crew was finally ready to start a voyage across the Atlantic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Many tales begin from someone's heedlessness – starting a sea voyage on a Friday, killing an albatross (Coleridge's poem itself perhaps encouraging this one), or annoying a witch (witches sailed in eggshells, which explains why eggs on boats brought unfavourable winds).

The Guardian - Books

So before you pack your bags for your next voyage, you should start a travel blog.

Huffington Post

In the episode, Cartman misinterprets news reports about piracy in the Indian Ocean to mean the return of the classic era of swashbuckling pirates, and misleads a handful of South Park boys to voyage to Mogadishu to start a pirate crew.

Wikipedia

The president referred to it as the start of "a voyage".

The New York Times - Arts

If a hundred Americans start the voyage of life together, on average one of them will have died by the time the group turns sixteen.

The New Yorker

Here's a luxurious — and cultured — outing if you happen to be in England on July 9. Board one of two Orient-Express Trains — the British Pullman in London or the Northern Belle in Birmingham, Coventry or Milton Keynes — start the voyage off with a Bellini, and then watch the countryside roll by while having brunch.

The New York Times

Thompson is sailing into rough water whatever he does next, but last week's call from the National Audit Office for a "change of culture" at the BBC, coupled with news that the corporation's £1bn-plus refurbishment of Broadcasting House will be four years late and £110m over budget, is not a great place to start the voyage.

The Guardian

Phillips's starting point is a voyage he himself made to England from Guadeloupe aboard a banana boat, roughly retracing the route he and his parents followed when he was a 4-month-old infant.

The New York Times - Books

A week later, she boarded the Cunard steamship Berengeria to start the voyage home.

The New York Times - Sports

The current mission, called Operation Martillo, focuses on setting up interdiction "boxes" in two zones off the coast of South America where the drugs start their voyage, and two more just offshore of the favored transshipment points in Honduras and Guatemala, where the drugs are divided up into smaller shipments and harder to track.

The New York Times

Later, a wild-eyed, snake-thin pilgrim, ecstatic about starting his voyage to a Krishna temple in Uttar Pradesh, sat down next to me and excitedly asked me where I was from.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "start a voyage" to emphasize the beginning of a significant journey, especially one involving travel by sea or exploration. It adds a sense of adventure and anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "start a voyage" for short or routine trips. The term "voyage" implies a longer, more significant journey, so using it for a quick errand can sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start a voyage" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of a journey. It combines the verb "start" with the noun phrase "a voyage", signifying the beginning of a trip that's often long and adventurous.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Science

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Encyclopedias

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Less common in

Wiki

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Formal & Business

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Science

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start a voyage" signifies the commencement of a significant journey, often by sea, and implies exploration and adventure. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. While specific examples are missing, the phrase remains intuitive and understandable. Alternatives like "begin a journey" or "set sail" can be used depending on the context. When using the phrase, ensure that "voyage" is reserved for longer, more meaningful trips, avoiding its application to short or routine travels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin a journey

This alternative is a more general term for starting any type of travel, not necessarily by sea.

embark on a cruise

This alternative specifically refers to starting a cruise trip.

set sail

This alternative implies starting a sea voyage, often with a sense of adventure.

get underway

This alternative suggests starting a journey, particularly by boat or ship.

commence an expedition

This alternative is more formal and often used for scientific or exploratory voyages.

kick off a tour

This alternative suggests the beginning of a planned trip with multiple stops.

initiate a quest

This alternative implies the start of a long and difficult journey, often with a specific goal.

launch an odyssey

This alternative refers to the start of a long and eventful journey, often with personal growth or discovery.

undertake a pilgrimage

This alternative refers to a journey to a sacred place or with religious significance.

open a path

This is more metaphorical and signifies to start a career.

FAQs

What does "start a voyage" mean?

The phrase "start a voyage" means to begin a long journey, typically by sea or through uncharted territory. It implies a sense of adventure and exploration.

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

You can use alternatives like "begin a journey", "embark on a cruise", or "set sail" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "start a voyage" for air travel?

While "voyage" traditionally refers to sea travel, it can metaphorically be used for significant air journeys that involve exploration or discovery. However, it's generally more common to use "start a trip" or "begin a journey".

What's the difference between "start a voyage" and "take a trip"?

"Start a voyage" suggests a more extensive and adventurous undertaking, often involving sea travel or exploration. "Take a trip" is a more general term for any kind of travel, regardless of duration or purpose.