start now

USAGE SUMMARY

"start now" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the current moment, for example: "I'll be late if I don't start now!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

They should start now.

The New York Times

Why start now?

The New Yorker

The fight should start now.

The Economist

It should start now.

The New York Times

1. Start now.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We should start now.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

THE clock starts now.

The Economist

That work starts now"..

The New York Times - Sports

"But the challenge starts now".

The New York Times

The real battle starts now.

The Economist

(So, spoilers abound, starting now).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start now" to convey a sense of urgency or to prompt immediate action. For example: "The meeting is about to begin, we need to start now."

Common error

Avoid using "start now" in contexts where a more formal or nuanced instruction is required. For instance, instead of saying "start now" in a complex project initiation, provide specific initial steps or a detailed plan.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start now" primarily functions as an imperative, urging immediate action. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts to prompt commencement, whether in problem-solving, project initiation, or personal endeavors. The Ludwig AI also confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start now" is a grammatically correct and frequently used imperative phrase that urges immediate action. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and Ludwig examples showcase its prevalence across diverse fields, particularly in news and media, academia, and even wiki content. It carries a neutral register, making it adaptable to both professional and informal settings. Alternatives such as "begin immediately" or "act now" can be used depending on the context. Remember to use "start now" when you want to get things moving without delay.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin immediately

Replaces "start" with "begin" and "now" with "immediately", emphasizing the instantaneous nature of the action.

let's get started

This alternative invites others to begin along with the speaker. It suggests enthusiasm.

get going now

Employs a more informal and conversational tone by using "get going" instead of "start".

act now

Focuses on the action itself, implying immediate action without explicitly mentioning a starting point.

make a start immediately

Emphasizes the commencement of an action with "make a start", combined with "immediately" for urgency.

initiate at once

Substitutes "start" with "initiate" and "now" with "at once", providing a slightly more emphatic tone.

launch immediately

Replaces 'start' with launch, indicating the beginning of something important.

don't delay

Highlights the avoidance of delay, suggesting the importance of starting without postponement.

commence forthwith

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "start" with "commence" and "now" with "forthwith", making it suitable for formal contexts.

time to begin

Indicates that the appropriate moment for starting has arrived.

FAQs

How can I use "start now" effectively in a sentence?

Use "start now" to emphasize the need for immediate commencement of an action, like in the sentence, "If you want to finish on time, you must "start now"".

What are some alternatives to "start now"?

Alternatives include "begin immediately", "act now", or "commence forthwith" depending on the level of formality required.

Is "starting now" grammatically different from "start now"?

"Starting now" implies a continuous action from the present moment, whereas "start now" is an imperative suggesting an immediate beginning. The choice depends on the intended meaning and context.

In what situations is it best to use "start now"?

It's best to use "start now" when you need to give a direct command or express a strong recommendation for immediate action, especially when time is of the essence.