start building

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start building" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to encourage someone to begin the process of constructing or creating something. Example: "Once you have gathered all the materials, you can start building the model."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then start building.

Harvard Business Review

Start building your professional network now.

The New York Times

"We can start building around their work".

The New York Times

Why did you start building stone walls?

The New York Times

"I would not start building it now.

The Economist

Otherwise, start building an ark.

The New York Times

To start building it slowly".

The New York Times - Sports

We're going to start building.

The Washington Post

Start building your network early.

Science Magazine

Start building your career plan.

Science Magazine

"We could start building this thing today".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "start building", be specific about what needs to be built and provide clear instructions or resources to guide the process.

Common error

Avoid immediately telling someone to "start building" without ensuring they have the necessary materials, plans, or understanding of the project. Proper preparation prevents poor execution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start building" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to initiate a process of creation or construction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It often sets the stage for actionable steps, urging immediate commencement of a task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start building" is a grammatically sound and frequently used imperative, directing someone to initiate a construction or creation process. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its diverse applicability across contexts, from practical instructions on WikiHow to broader encouragements in News & Media. While its register is generally neutral to informal, its directness makes it an effective call to action. When using "start building", remember to provide clear context and instructions to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin constructing

Suggests a more formal or technical approach to the building process.

commence development

Implies a more elaborate or staged process, often used in project management.

initiate construction

A formal and official way to say start building

get to work on building

Emphasizes the labor and effort involved in the building process.

kick off the building phase

Uses informal language, implying a start to a specific stage.

get started with construction

Highlights the beginning of the building act or process.

set about building

Suggests a determined and focused approach to starting construction.

launch the build

Phrasing often used within a business or technological context.

undertake construction

A formal term meaning to start or take part in an activity.

embark on the build

Phrasing often used within a business or technological context.

FAQs

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

You can use "start building" to encourage action, such as "Now that you have the design, "start building" the prototype" or "It's time to "start building" your professional network".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "start building"?

Some alternatives include "begin constructing", "commence development", or "initiate construction", depending on the formality and context.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "start building"?

While generally acceptable, "start building" might be too informal for certain formal or academic contexts. In those situations, consider using more formal alternatives such as "initiate construction".

What's the difference between "start building" and "begin building"?

The phrases "start building" and "begin building" are largely interchangeable. However, "begin building" may sound slightly more formal than "start building".