start from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'start from' is perfectly usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of an action or process. For example: "To get started on the project, let's start from the beginning and go through each step one at a time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prices start from £289.

Independent

"Let's start from scratch".

The New Yorker

We start from here".

The New York Times

Start from scratch?

The New Yorker

Beers start from €8.

Independent

We start from zero".

Independent

Rooms start from 185 euros.

The New York Times - Travel

Return fares start from £60.

Independent

Life will start from scratch".

The New York Times

Commissions start from around £300.

Independent

The libraries start from zero".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start from", clearly define the initial point or foundation to provide context and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "start from" without specifying the origin or basis; this can leave the reader confused about the context or intended direction. Always specify from where the action originates.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start from" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation or beginning of an action, process, or state. It sets the point of origin, as demonstrated in Ludwig examples like "Prices start from £289" and "We start from here".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start from" is a versatile and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate the beginning or origin of an action, process, or idea. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its communicative purpose is to establish a foundation or initial point, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. The phrase is frequently found in news, media, and wiki sources, indicating its wide applicability. When using "start from", it is crucial to clearly define the starting point to avoid ambiguity, and related phrases such as "begin with" or "originate from" can be used as alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin with

Focuses on the initial action, less emphasis on a specific starting point.

originate from

Highlights the source or cause of something.

stem from

Implies a causal relationship, where something develops or arises from a specific origin.

initiate at

Emphasizes the act of beginning or setting something in motion at a location.

commence from

A more formal synonym for "start from", indicating the beginning of an action or process.

arise from

Suggests something emerges or comes into being from a particular source.

spring from

Evokes a sense of rapid or sudden emergence from a source.

kick off with

An informal way of saying "start from", often used in the context of events or activities.

build upon

Highlights the idea of using something as a foundation for further development.

take off from

Implies a starting point for growth or advancement.

FAQs

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

You can use "start from" to indicate the beginning or origin of an action, process, or idea. For example, "Let's start from the beginning" or "We should start from scratch".

What are some alternatives to "start from"?

Some alternatives to "start from" include "begin with", "originate from", and "stem from". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "start from" and "begin with"?

While similar, "start from" often implies a specific starting point or foundation, whereas "begin with" is more general. You might "start from chapter one" but "begin with an introduction".

When is it appropriate to use "start from scratch"?

"Start from scratch" is appropriate when you need to completely redo something, ignoring any previous work or attempts. It implies creating something entirely new, such as starting from zero or creating a new project.