start down

USAGE SUMMARY

"start down" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually suggests the beginning of a descent, either physically (moving down a hill or set of stairs) or figuratively (beginning a journey or embarking on a new endeavor). Example: I started down the hill, gathering speed as I went.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You start down and line the next one up.

The New York Times - Sports

"The notion that we would start down that slippery slope makes absolutely no sense.

The Guardian

Thus did Britain start down the slippery slope of commodity worship.

The Guardian - Books

It was a serious misjudgment by Downing Street to start down this legislative road.

The Guardian

Because this corruption doesn't start down with police officers, it starts at the top.

The Guardian

He said: "To start down the path of division almost inevitably leads to further division".

The Guardian

CALLIES -- Rates start down, then start to flow back up before the end of the year.

The New York Times

What motivated it to start down a path that ultimately led to its demise?

The New York Times

That's a dangerous path to start down".

TechCrunch

You don't just get taken on and start down a mine straight away.

BBC

Once you start down that anti-aging beauty road, it's tough getting off.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start down" to indicate the commencement of a downward movement or a figurative descent into a situation or process. For instance: "They started down the mountain trail" or "The company started down a path of unsustainable growth."

Common error

Avoid using "start down" when "start up" is more appropriate. "Start up" refers to beginning a new business or initiative, whereas "start down" implies a descent or decline. Using "start down" in place of "start up" can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start down" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It indicates the initiation of a movement in a downward direction or the beginning of a path or process. Ludwig AI's examples illustrate both literal (physical descent) and figurative (initiation of a course of action) uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start down" is a versatile phrasal verb that denotes the beginning of a descent or a new path, as validated by Ludwig AI. Grammatically correct and very common, it finds frequent use in news and media, wiki entries, and academic writing. While ""begin descending"" and ""commence descent"" serve as direct alternatives for physical descent, phrases like "set out on a path" capture the figurative sense. Remember to distinguish "start down" from "start up" to maintain clarity. Ludwig AI provides extensive examples that underscore the phrase's adaptability, proving it a valuable tool for diverse writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin descending

Focuses specifically on the physical act of going downwards.

commence descent

A more formal way of saying "begin descending".

initiate the decline

Highlights the beginning of a downward trend or deterioration.

set out on a path

Emphasizes the start of a journey or course of action, either literal or figurative.

embark on a journey

A more formal way of saying "set out on a path".

launch into an endeavor

Implies a more vigorous or ambitious beginning.

take the first step

Focuses on the initial action in a process.

get the ball rolling

An idiomatic expression for initiating an activity or project.

kick things off

An informal way to say "begin" or "start".

break the ice

To initiate a conversation or interaction, particularly in a social context.

FAQs

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

You can use "start down" to indicate the beginning of a descent, like "We "start down" the stairs" or to show the start of a path or process, like "The company "start down" a new business venture".

What is a good alternative to "start down"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "start down" include "begin descending", "commence descent", or "embark on a journey".

Is it correct to say "start down the road"?

Yes, ""start down" the road" is a common and correct usage, often implying the beginning of a journey or endeavor, whether physical or metaphorical.

What's the difference between "start down" and "continue down"?

"Start down" indicates the beginning of a descent or a path, while "continue down" means to keep going in a downward direction or along a particular path after already having started.