start construction

USAGE SUMMARY

"start construction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the beginning of a construction project, such as building a structure. For example, "The construction team will start construction on the new office building next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He expects to start construction this spring.

The New York Times

The company will start construction by early next year.

The New York Times

They added: "Trustees will decide when to start construction.

The Guardian

It hopes to start construction there this year.

The New York Times

The Rosickis hope to start construction this summer.

The New York Times

Within a month or two we will start construction on our models.

The New York Times

And even then, some fear that protesters could make it very difficult to start construction work.

The Economist

Phase 1 is scheduled to start construction in January 2014 so we've got to move fast.

The New York Times

Buyers are also required to start construction within 18 months of the closing date.

The New York Times

Mr Daw, who works as a steward at Stonehenge, plans to start construction shortly.

Independent

Under certain conditions, it must start construction or risk losing its down payment and development rights.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start construction", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being built. For example, specify "start construction of the new bridge" rather than just "start construction".

Common error

Don't use "start construction" when you mean 'plan construction'. The former indicates the physical building process, while the latter refers to the planning phase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start construction" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence to describe the action of beginning a building or infrastructure project. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start construction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively communicates the beginning of a building project. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its prevalence across various domains such as News & Media, Business, and general informational contexts underscores its versatility. While alternatives like "begin construction" or "commence construction" may offer subtle differences in formality, the core meaning remains consistent. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specifying what is being built avoids ambiguity and ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin construction

Uses a different synonym for 'start', slightly altering the emphasis but retaining the core meaning.

commence construction

Employs a more formal verb, 'commence', indicating a more official or planned beginning.

initiate construction

Uses 'initiate' to emphasize the act of starting or setting in motion the construction process.

launch construction

Suggests a more vigorous or promoted beginning of the construction project.

break ground on construction

This idiom refers to the literal beginning of construction by excavating the site.

get construction underway

This alternative emphasizes the action of making progress in the construction, more than only setting up the beginning.

embark on construction

Suggests starting a significant or challenging construction project.

set about construction

Implies a practical and purposeful start to the construction work.

undertake construction

Focuses on the responsibility and commitment to carrying out the construction.

trigger construction

Highlights the causal event that leads to the construction starting.

FAQs

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

You can use "start construction" to indicate the beginning of a building project. For example: "The company plans to "start construction" on the new factory next year."

What are some alternatives to saying "start construction"?

Alternatives to "start construction" include "begin construction", "commence construction", or "initiate construction", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "start construction" and "begin construction"?

While "start construction" and "begin construction" are largely interchangeable, "begin" may sometimes imply a slightly more formal or planned commencement.

What does "break ground on construction" mean, and how does it relate to "start construction"?

"Break ground on construction" is an idiom that is interchangeable with the literal beginning of construction, by excavating the site. While "start construction" is a general term for beginning the building process, "break ground" refers to the initial excavation.