start heading out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start heading out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the beginning of the process of leaving a place or starting to go somewhere. Example: "It's getting late, so we should start heading out if we want to catch the last train."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"There will be a mark when the logistics and other things will be in place, when there is a little bit more trust being built, and people will start heading out," Hughes said.

Huffington Post

One will eventually get back to you and you can start heading out and getting some experience.

WikiHow

Jawbone has updated the ship date for the UP3 activity tracker, informing pre-order customers and prospective buyers that the wearable gadget will start heading out to U.S. buyers on April 20.

TechCrunch

His future in the next year or two is to start heading out into the sugar cane fields with his machete at 6 am every morning to cut cane, as his father and so many others from the village need to do to barely survive.

Huffington Post

Once you're free, start heading out.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

By the time everyone started heading out — J Brand goody bags and auction wins in hand — the storm had passed.

The New York Times

"We started heading out along narrow roads lined with villagers begging for water," he said.

BBC

Some people living in the threatened stretch of countryside - an area known for a drawling French dialect - have already started heading out.

Huffington Post

And they certainly wouldn't have volunteered if they knew they would be abandoned as soon as American forces started heading out the exit door.

Vice

However, if things start heading south, then bail out to cash quickly.

Forbes

Marsh said the creature started heading back out to sea but today it had returned to Chester.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start heading out" when indicating the beginning of a process of leaving a place or starting a journey. It's appropriate for both literal and figurative departures.

Common error

In highly formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "begin to depart" or "commence departure" to maintain a professional tone. "Start heading out" is generally suitable for neutral to informal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start heading out" functions as a verb phrase indicating the beginning of a movement or departure. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

40%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start heading out" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the beginning of a departure, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While acceptable in a wide array of contexts, it is more frequently encountered in informal settings like news articles and wikis. For more formal situations, one might prefer alternatives such as "begin to depart" or "commence departure". Remember to consider the tone and audience when choosing the most appropriate way to express the initiation of a journey or departure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to leave

A simple and direct alternative with a less directional emphasis.

begin to depart

Formal alternative that emphasizes the commencement of leaving.

get going

An informal way to express starting to leave or move.

set off

Emphasizes the beginning of a journey or trip.

commence departure

A more stilted and formal way of saying to begin leaving.

start off

General term indicating the beginning of any kind of activity or movement.

hit the road

Idiomatic expression indicating the start of a journey by car.

make a move

Suggests an intention to leave or start moving.

get underway

Suggests the beginning of a process or journey, often used in nautical contexts.

embark

Formal way to describe beginning a journey or enterprise.

FAQs

What does "start heading out" mean?

The phrase "start heading out" means to begin the process of leaving a place or starting a journey. It implies initiating movement toward a destination.

When is it appropriate to use "start heading out"?

It is appropriate to use "start heading out" in informal to neutral contexts when you want to express the beginning of a departure. For formal situations, consider more refined alternatives like "begin to depart".

What are some alternatives to "start heading out"?

Some alternatives include "begin to leave", "set off", or "get going", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "start heading out" grammatically correct?

Yes, "start heading out" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English. It follows standard verb construction rules.