start of the

USAGE SUMMARY

"start of the" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to the beginning portion of something. For example: - "At the start of the movie, the main character was introduced as a timid high school student." - "The start of the new year is always a busy time for retailers." - "We will be meeting at the start of the trail to begin our hike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

At the start of the 2008 09 season.

Wikipedia

It's the start of the year.

Vice

② The start of the ventricular pacing.

JA Clinical Reports

Since the start of the year (Jan.

The New York Times

The start of the "first round" games.

The New York Times

"This is the start of the experiment".

The New York Times

I missed the start of the match.

The New Yorker

That signaled the start of the onslaught.

The New York Times - Sports

Our start of the season was terrible.

The Guardian - Sport

"Today's the start of the Christmas season.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Utopia is the start of the future.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start of the", ensure the noun following 'the' is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "start of the project" is clearer than "start of things."

Common error

Avoid using "start of the" when a simpler word like "beginning" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and less direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start of the" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically introducing a noun that specifies what is beginning. It indicates the initial point in time, space, or sequence of an event or process. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start of the" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate the beginning of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. It functions to specify the initiation of an event, process, or period, and its register is generally neutral, fitting for both formal and informal communication. While highly common, writers should avoid redundancy by considering simpler alternatives when appropriate. Common authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, affirming its widespread acceptance and utility in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning of the

A direct synonym, indicating the initial point in time or sequence, and is nearly interchangeable.

commencement of the

More formal alternative, suitable for official or ceremonial contexts, implying a structured beginning.

outset of the

Similar to 'beginning', but often implies a challenging or significant undertaking.

dawn of the

Evokes a sense of new beginnings or the emergence of something significant.

genesis of the

Refers to the origin or creation of something, often used in a more abstract or conceptual sense.

launch of the

Implies a formal initiation or introduction, often used for projects or products.

kick-off of the

More informal, often used in sports or business contexts to signify the start of an event or project.

opening of the

Indicates the initial stage or event that marks the availability or operation of something.

emergence of the

Highlights the coming into existence or prominence of something, often gradually.

initiation of the

Focuses on the act of starting or setting something in motion, often a process or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "start of the" in a sentence?

You can use "start of the" to refer to the beginning phase or point of something. For example, "At the start of the meeting, the CEO presented the annual report" or "The start of the new year is often a time for reflection".

What are some alternatives to "start of the"?

Alternatives include phrases like "beginning of the", "outset of the", or "commencement of the", depending on the context and level of formality you're aiming for.

Is there a difference between "start of the" and "beginning of the"?

While very similar, "start of the" often implies a more specific point in time or action that initiates something, whereas "beginning of the" can be more general.

When is it best to use "start of the" over other similar phrases?

Use "start of the" when you want to emphasize the initial action or point that marks the commencement of a specific event, process, or period. For instance, "start of the experiment" highlights the moment the experiment began.