start of the week

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start of the week" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the beginning days of a week, typically Monday or Sunday, depending on the context. Example: "I like to plan my tasks at the start of the week to ensure I stay organized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I didn't expect that at the start of the week.

The Guardian - Sport

Then off to bed for the start of the week.

The New York Times

Ashley had planned not to come at the start of the week.

Independent

From the start of the week, time's passage had dominated the conversation.

The New York Times - Sports

There he'd be at the start of the week, haranguing historians and savaging politicians.

Independent

Executives from both companies began to work in earnest together at the start of the week.

The New York Times

Wednesday 13 July Southern's emergency service has been in play since the start of the week.

The Guardian

"I'm here where I wanted to be at the start of the week.

The New York Times - Sports

I would have taken 14 under at the start of the week.

The Guardian - Sport

The company's shares closed 1.7p lower at 241.8p, down 36.9p from the start of the week.

The Guardian - Business

It sounds like the start of the week was the end of the grieving.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start of the week", consider whether you mean the very first day (Sunday or Monday, depending on cultural context) or the first few days. Be specific if clarity is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "start of the week" when you actually mean a specific day like Monday or Tuesday. Use the specific day for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start of the week" functions primarily as a temporal expression, indicating a specific period within the seven-day cycle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase that pinpoints when an event or situation commences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start of the week" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that functions as a temporal expression. It is employed to indicate the beginning period of a week, typically referring to Sunday or Monday. As Ludwig AI underlines, it is fit for a wide range of contexts. While "start of the week" is considered neutral, it’s important to consider specific days like Monday or Tuesday to improve clarity. Alternatives include "beginning of the week" and "outset of the week".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning of the week

Replaces "start" with "beginning", a direct synonym.

early part of the week

Specifies the "start" as the "early part", adding slight emphasis.

opening of the week

Substitutes "start" with "opening", implying a commencement.

outset of the week

Replaces "start" with "outset", indicating the very beginning.

commencement of the week

Uses "commencement" instead of "start", providing a more formal tone.

initial phase of the week

Replaces "start" with "initial phase", offering a more descriptive alternative.

first days of the week

Focuses on the plural "days" instead of a singular "start".

week's beginning

Inverts the structure to emphasize the week itself.

at the dawning of the week

Employs more figurative language, indicating the beginning.

as the week begins

Expresses the concept as an ongoing process rather than a fixed point.

FAQs

What does "start of the week" typically refer to?

The phrase "start of the week" generally refers to either Sunday or Monday, depending on cultural and regional conventions. In many Western countries, the week officially begins on Monday, while in others, it begins on Sunday.

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

You can use "start of the week" to indicate plans, expectations, or events occurring in the early part of a week. For example: "We will begin the project at the "start of the week"."

What are some alternatives to "start of the week"?

Alternatives to "start of the week" include "beginning of the week", "early part of the week", or "outset of the week", which can provide variety in your writing.

Is "start of the week" formal or informal?

The phrase "start of the week" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The tone can be adjusted with surrounding vocabulary.