start an expedition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start an expedition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initiation of a journey or exploration, often in a scientific or adventurous context. Example: "The team decided to start an expedition to the uncharted territory in the Amazon rainforest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For independent travelers about to start an expedition into the huge, mysterious nation of China, I have some advice: stop in Shanghai and take a deep breath.

The New York Times - Travel

You need to know if anyone is going to fall to pieces at -40C before you start an expedition.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In "Mrs. Harkness and the Panda," Alicia Potter tells the story of Ruth Harkness, a New York City dress designer who, in 1934, motivated by her husband's recent death, resolves to finish what he had started — an expedition to bring back the first live panda to the United States.

The New York Times - Books

In a blog for National Geographic back in March, Marc wrote about the fact that this area of ice was the very same one where he started an unsuccessful expedition back in 1996.

The Guardian

Gaddafi had possibly believed that, due to the upcoming French legislative elections, Mitterrand would be reluctant to start a new risky and costly expedition to save Habré; this evaluation proved wrong, as what the French President could not politically risk was to show weakness towards Libyan aggression.

Wikipedia

When Wilkes arrived back in America, the political infighting that had delayed the start of an expedition for a decade was still raging.

The New York Times - Books

It was then that Broadway started a money-raising expedition to Albany and City Hall that was far more significant to their future than the annual Tony push.

The New York Times

Niaqornaarsuk, a settlement on the northern shore near the fjord's mouth, was the starting point of an expedition in 1883 led by Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sir Ranulph and his team will start their expedition as the winter begins.

BBC

In 1902, after a frustrating experience outfitting his own subarctic expedition, he started a company to make the gear himself.

Forbes

They start discussing expeditions with clients at least a year or more in advance.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start an expedition" when you want to emphasize the beginning or initial phase of a journey undertaken for exploration or research. For clarity, specify the type of expedition (e.g. scientific, exploratory, research).

Common error

Avoid using "start an expedition" in very casual conversations. It's generally more appropriate for formal writing or when describing a significant undertaking. In less formal settings, consider using 'begin a trip' or 'set out on a journey'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start an expedition" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the initiation of a planned and organized journey. Ludwig AI shows that it's used to denote the beginning of an exploratory or research endeavor, highlighting the act of commencing such a venture.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start an expedition" is grammatically correct and used to describe the initiation of a journey for exploration or research. According to Ludwig AI, while generally appropriate for formal contexts like news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains, it should be used cautiously in informal settings. Consider alternatives like ""begin an expedition"" or ""embark on an expedition"" to refine your message, ensuring it aligns with the context and maintains clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin an expedition

A simpler, more direct way to express the start of the expedition.

commence an expedition

Similar to 'begin', but more formal and often used in official contexts.

embark on an expedition

Focuses on the beginning of a journey but emphasizes the commitment involved.

launch an expedition

Emphasizes the formal commencement or organization of the expedition.

set out on an expedition

Focuses on the physical act of beginning the journey.

initiate an expedition

Suggests a more formal or official beginning to the expedition.

undertake an expedition

Highlights the challenging nature of the expedition.

mount an expedition

Emphasizes the preparation and organization required for the expedition.

kick off an expedition

An informal way to say 'start', often used in project management contexts.

get underway with an expedition

Focuses on the action of commencing a journey, especially by sea.

FAQs

How can I use "start an expedition" in a sentence?

You can use "start an expedition" to describe the beginning of a journey, like: "The team decided to "embark on an expedition" to the South Pole", or "They planned to "launch an expedition" to find new species of insects".

What are some alternatives to "start an expedition"?

Alternatives to "start an expedition" include "begin an expedition", "launch an expedition", or "embark on an expedition", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "start an expedition" formal or informal?

"Start an expedition" leans towards formal usage, suitable for describing significant or organized journeys. For more casual contexts, consider simpler alternatives like "begin a trip".

What's the difference between "start an expedition" and "go on an expedition"?

"Start an expedition" emphasizes the initiation or beginning of the journey, whereas "go on an expedition" focuses more on the act of participating in or undertaking the expedition. "Start an expedition" can be used to indicate the planning and initial actions, while "go on an expedition" is used to describe the experience of traveling and exploring.