start of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning point of something, such as a time period, event, or process. Example: "At the start of the meeting, we will review the agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Start of play: 9.30pm.

Independent

The start of something new?

The Economist

That's the start of Bruna".

The New York Times

Start of Rose Period.

The Guardian - Arts

I missed the start of the match.

The New Yorker

This was the start of a happening.

The New York Times

Is that the start of it?

The New York Times

Is this the start of a trend?

The New York Times

Since the start of the year (Jan.

The New York Times

It was the start of her weekend.

The New Yorker

Could be the start of something new.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start of" to clearly indicate the commencement of an event, process, or period. For increased clarity, follow it with a specific noun (e.g., "start of the project").

Common error

Avoid using "start of" in highly formal contexts where phrases like "commencement of" or "outset of" might be more appropriate. Assess the tone of your writing to ensure the phrase matches the desired level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start of" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the commencement or initiation of something. Ludwig examples show it frequently precedes nouns specifying events, periods, or processes. It sets the temporal or sequential context for the subsequent part of the sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

26%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start of" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase to indicate the beginning of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While the register leans towards neutral to informal, writers should be mindful of the context and consider more formal alternatives like "commencement of" or "outset of" when appropriate. Understanding its function and communicative purpose ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning of

Indicates a shift to a simpler and more direct vocabulary.

outset of

Suggests a slightly more formal tone to indicate the commencement.

commencement of

Emphasizes a formal beginning or ceremony.

initiation of

Focuses on the action of starting or introducing something.

dawn of

Conveys a sense of a new era or beginning.

genesis of

Implies the origin or creation of something.

inception of

Highlights the formal establishment or starting point.

launch of

Suggests the commencement of a project or product.

kick-off of

Indicates an informal start, especially for events or projects.

emergence of

Implies a gradual beginning or appearance.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "start of"?

You can use alternatives like "beginning of", "outset of", or "commencement of" depending on the context.

How do I use "start of" in a sentence?

Use "start of" to indicate the beginning of something, such as "At the "start of" the meeting, we will review the agenda" or "Since the "start of" the year, there have been many changes".

Which is correct, "start of" or "beginning of"?

Both "start of" and "beginning of" are correct and often interchangeable. "Start of" might sound slightly more informal than "beginning of".

What's the difference between "start of" and "outset of"?

"Start of" is a general term, while "outset of" often implies a more deliberate or formal beginning. "Outset of" can also suggest a more significant or decisive start.