start of the semester

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start of the semester" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the beginning period of an academic semester in educational contexts. Example: "Many students feel a mix of excitement and anxiety at the start of the semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Dates to be provided before the start of the semester.

Cornell University

[cartoon id= a17968"] The protests that had begun at the start of the semester turned violent at around this time.

The New Yorker

Students are given $100,000 in bogus money at the start of the semester, and can trade for 15 weeks.

The New York Times

Meeting time will be announced prior to the start of the semester.

Cornell University

Instructors do NOT make these decisions prior to the start of the semester.

University of California, Berkeley

*Italian language classes begin two weeks prior to the start of the semester.

Cornell University

Before the start of the semester, the Thesis Advisor and student map out a research plan.

Cornell University

Be sure to register prior to the start of the semester.

Columbia University

With this system the majority of your workload will come at the start of the semester, making the transition into summer holidays an smoother experience.

Independent

Be yourself (not the person you think you should be) when filling out roommate questionnaires and be thoughtful about selecting any courses before the start of the semester.

The New York Times

I enrolled in graduate school at N.Y.U., but stayed on in Tel Aviv through the summer, and flew back only days before the start of the semester.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Familiarize yourself with the course syllabus and requirements at the "start of the semester" to stay on track.

Common error

Ensure clarity when discussing deadlines or project phases; explicitly state whether you're referring to the "start of the semester" or the end to avoid misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start of the semester" functions as a noun phrase. It serves as a temporal marker, indicating the beginning period of an academic term. Ludwig shows its use in various contexts, most commonly within educational settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

63%

News & Media

29%

Science

8%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start of the semester" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote the beginning of an academic term. Ludwig's analysis confirms its frequent use in academia, news, and scientific contexts. The phrase serves primarily as a temporal marker for discussing schedules, assignments, and other academic-related activities. While it maintains a neutral register, its specific tone may vary based on context. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "beginning of the semester" or "commencement of the semester". Ensure clear usage by avoiding confusion with the "end of the semester". Overall, Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is a standard and well-understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning of the semester

Replaces "start" with "beginning", a direct synonym, offering a more common and straightforward alternative.

commencement of the semester

Substitutes "start" with "commencement", suggesting a more formal tone.

outset of the semester

Replaces "start" with "outset", implying the very beginning or initial stage.

semester's inception

Uses "inception" instead of "start", providing a slightly more elevated or literary tone.

semester kickoff

Employs "kickoff", conveying an informal sense of the semester's beginning or launch.

first week of the semester

Specifies a timeframe instead of a singular starting point, offering a broader period.

initial phase of the semester

Replaces "start" with "initial phase", focusing on the early stages of the semester.

opening of the semester

Uses "opening" instead of "start", which is a less common but understandable alternative.

semester's dawn

Employs "dawn" metaphorically to represent the beginning, adding a poetic or evocative element.

at the semester's origination

A more formal and less common way of saying "start of the semester".

FAQs

What are some other ways to say "start of the semester"?

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

Is it better to say "at the start of the semester" or "in the start of the semester"?

The correct preposition to use is "at"; therefore, "at the start of the semester" is the grammatically correct and commonly used phrase.

What should I do at the "start of the semester" to prepare for my courses?

Review the syllabus, introduce yourself to your professors, and organize your study materials at the "start of the semester" to set yourself up for success.

How early before the "start of the semester" should I register for classes?

It's advisable to register as early as possible, typically during the registration period announced by the university, which can be several weeks or months before the "start of the semester".