start at once

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start at once" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the need for immediate action or to prompt someone to begin a task without delay. Example: "Please start at once on the project to ensure we meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

WORK TO START AT ONCE Good Production of Metal Is Expected Next Year -- Ural and Altai Lands to Be Developed.

The New York Times

TO COVER A WHOLE BLOCK Seven Stories to Be Below Street -- Work to Start at Once for Completion in 1927.

The New York Times

But Sir Anthony said salvage work would start at once, restoration would begin early next year and the pier could be reopened by October 2005.

The Guardian

Work should start at once on the establishment of a fair apportionment of emissions country by country, based on the principle of contraction and convergence.

The Guardian

The day after the election, the prime minister said that "westerners can breathe a lot easier" because voters had rejected his rivals' energy proposals.The fireworks are not likely to start at once.

The Economist

And it is irrelevant because Tony Blair, Britain's prime minister, told Mr Trimble during the Good Friday negotiations in 1998 that decommissioning was an essential part of the deal and should start at once.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The Saudi government announced a one-month amnesty on Wednesday, starting at once, for anyone involved in extremist activities.

The New York Times

I'm used to running races where everyone starts at once and you can be energized by the crowd and pace yourself by watching other runners.

The New York Times - Health

And he started at once to scout for "major initiatives" to help revive the growth of I.B.M.'s big server computers -- mainframes, minicomputers and AIX Unix machines.

The New York Times

Reforming Russia's complicated regional structure is not urgent, according to Mr Primakov or should be started at once, if you listen to the new minister for regional affairs.In this section Steady as she drifts Winner seeks pals Ruth Dreifuss, model for a new Swiss role?

The Economist

Starting at once, I am restoring direct responsibility for athletics to the President of the University.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start at once" when emphasizing the urgency or immediacy of beginning a task. It adds a sense of directness and decisiveness to your instructions or statements.

Common error

Avoid using "start at once" in very casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or even demanding in situations where a more relaxed tone is appropriate. Opt for phrases like "begin immediately" or "start right away" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start at once" functions as an imperative, urging immediate action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, highlighting its role in prompting immediate commencement of a task, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start at once" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey the immediate need to begin an action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests its usage is best suited for situations requiring direct instruction or emphasizing urgency. While authoritative sources demonstrate its appropriateness, it is less common in very informal settings. Alternatives like "begin immediately" may offer a softer tone. It is important to consider your audience and the overall context when deciding if "start at once" is the most effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin immediately

Emphasizes the lack of delay in starting.

commence forthwith

A more formal way to express immediate commencement.

initiate promptly

Highlights the quick initiation of something.

set about it directly

Focuses on engaging with a task without hesitation.

get going right away

An informal expression to start something quickly.

proceed without delay

Stresses the importance of not delaying the start.

take immediate action

Focuses on the action that must be taken without any delay.

start without hesitation

Implies confidence and decisiveness in beginning.

embark on it now

Suggests a fresh start on a journey or task in the present moment.

move forward instantly

Highlights immediate progress and advancement.

FAQs

How can I use "start at once" in a sentence?

You can use "start at once" to emphasize the need for immediate action. For example: "The project is urgent; please "start at once" to ensure we meet the deadline."

What phrases are similar to "start at once"?

You can use alternatives like "begin immediately", "commence forthwith", or "initiate promptly", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

In what situations is "start at once" most appropriate?

"Start at once" is suitable in situations where there is a clear need for immediate action, such as giving instructions in a professional setting or emphasizing urgency in a formal communication.

What's the difference between "start at once" and "begin immediately"?

While both phrases convey a sense of urgency, "start at once" can sound slightly more formal and direct. "Begin immediately" might be preferable in contexts where a less commanding tone is desired.