start of the year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start of the year" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the beginning period of a calendar year or fiscal year. Example: "Many companies set new goals and strategies at the start of the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since the start of the year (Jan.

The New York Times

"It's the second start of the year," Sabathia said.

The New York Times - Sports

Since the start of the year it has lost 9.4%.

The Economist

Work began at the start of the year.

The Guardian

At the start of the year, they were virtually tied.

The New Yorker

It was his 12th and final start of the year.

The New York Times - Sports

This is Wie's third start of the year.

The New York Times - Sports

Yes, I get it, it's the start of the year.

The Guardian - Opinion

Will has been clean since the start of the year.

The Guardian

But after the start of the year he got the message and he acted very decisively".

The New Yorker

This means commodity petrol is more expensive than at the start of the year.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start of the year" when you want to emphasize the beginning as a point of reference for subsequent events or changes.

Common error

Ensure the context clarifies whether you are referring to the calendar year (January 1st) or a specific fiscal year. Ambiguity can arise if the fiscal year differs from the calendar year.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start of the year" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a temporal marker indicating the beginning of a calendar or fiscal year. Ludwig examples confirm its use to denote a specific time frame for events and changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start of the year" is a grammatically sound and very common noun phrase used to denote the beginning of a calendar or fiscal year. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent use across news media, business, and other contexts. It functions as a temporal marker and serves to establish a reference point for events and changes. While neutral in register, it's crucial to clarify whether you're referencing a calendar or fiscal year. Ludwig's assessment highlights its utility and provides valuable context for its correct application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning of the year

A direct synonym, focusing on the commencement of the year.

outset of the year

Emphasizes the initial stage or commencement of the year.

early part of the year

Highlights the initial period without specifying a precise start.

first part of the year

Similar to "early part of the year", focusing on the initial segment.

initial months of the year

Specifies a period of several months at the beginning of the year.

opening of the year

A more figurative way to describe the start, implying possibilities.

commencement of the year

A formal synonym for the start.

dawn of the year

A metaphorical expression, indicating a new beginning.

January onwards

Refers to the period starting in January.

first few weeks of the year

Focuses on a short period right at the beginning of the year.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "start of the year"?

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

Is it correct to say "since the start of the year"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. For example, "Since the "start of the year", the company's profits have increased."

What is the difference between "start of the year" and "end of the year"?

"Start of the year" refers to the beginning period, typically January, while "end of the year" refers to the final period, typically December. Both are used as reference points for tracking changes or events over the course of a year.

How to use "start of the year" in a sentence?

You can use ""start of the year"" to indicate a point in time or a period marking the beginning of the year. For example, "We launch a new marketing campaign at the "start of the year"."