start fishing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start fishing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of beginning to fish, either literally or metaphorically, such as in a conversation about hobbies or activities. Example: "After a long week, I decided to start fishing at the lake to relax and enjoy nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Hopefully Sochi won't have this kind of chaos: there's a running event for deaf competitors (who can't hear the starting pistol), and a swimming event for people who can't swim ("Well, we'll be bringing you back the moment they start fishing the corpses out").

The New Yorker

After the quest start fishing them at around level 75 up until level 99.

WikiHow

If you start fishing on a trip dedicated to fly fishing, you are likely to get enough practice in 1 trip to start fly fishing on your own.

WikiHow

I don't have enough energy to start fishing again".

The Guardian

If I were to start fishing irresponsibly now there would be no work for generations to come.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The displaced islanders, however, plan to return one day, and if they do they will want to start fishing and building hotels and even an airport.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

So I started fishing again.

The New York Times - Travel

Muriel started fishing in her purse.

The New Yorker

In the south, hunters had started fishing.

The New York Times - Books

He started fishing and walking, and began "digging my way out".

The New Yorker

"When I started fishing, man, all we had was handlines," Eloy said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start fishing" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the beginning of an exploratory or investigative process.

Common error

While acceptable, "start fishing" might sound informal in professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "begin investigating" or "initiate research" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start fishing" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an activity. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is usable in written English. It can refer to the literal act of beginning to fish or, metaphorically, to starting an exploratory or investigative process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

43%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start fishing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that signifies the commencement of fishing, either literally or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it can be considered slightly informal. For more formal settings, alternatives like "begin investigating" or "initiate research" may be more appropriate. It is frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin fishing

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing "start" with "begin" for a more formal tone.

commence fishing

This alternative uses a more formal verb, "commence", suggesting a more official or deliberate start.

initiate fishing

This phrase implies a more structured or organized beginning to the fishing activity.

take up fishing

This suggests beginning fishing as a new hobby or activity.

get into fishing

Implies starting to participate in fishing, often suggesting growing interest or involvement.

embark on a fishing trip

Focuses on beginning a specific outing dedicated to fishing.

kick off the fishing season

Specifically relates to the beginning of a designated fishing period.

set about fishing

Suggests starting fishing with a specific task or goal in mind.

venture into fishing

This implies exploring fishing as a new or unknown activity.

get the fishing underway

Suggests initiating a fishing activity that may have been planned or prepared for.

FAQs

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

You can use "start fishing" to describe the beginning of the act of fishing, for example: "After work, I like to "start fishing" at the nearby lake." It can also be used metaphorically, such as: "The detective decided to "start fishing" for clues to solve the mystery."

What are some alternatives to "start fishing"?

Some alternatives include "begin fishing", "commence fishing", or "take up fishing", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "start fishing" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "start fishing" metaphorically when referring to the beginning of an investigation or exploratory process, particularly when seeking information or solutions. For example, "The lawyer decided to "start fishing" for evidence to support her case."

Is "start fishing" considered formal or informal language?

"Start fishing" is generally considered neutral to informal language. In formal settings, consider using alternatives like "begin exploring" or "commence investigation" for a more professional tone.