Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
start of war
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "start of war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the beginning or initiation of a conflict or war. Example: "The start of war in the region led to widespread chaos and displacement of civilians."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Encyclopedias
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
18 human-written examples
In the morning they awoke to front pages declaring the start of war.
News & Media
The BBC first broadcast in Burmese 70 years ago at the start of war in the far east.
News & Media
Once the troops were assembled on each side, REX Chairs convened in the middle for their traditional handshake and announced the official start of war.
QUESTION FROM JEROME WILSON: Your piece lays out the economic factors behind the Revolution very convincingly — but were there founders who cared less or nothing about money in the start of war and creation of a new country?
News & Media
The movie begins with a brisk collage of archival footage, presenting a sardonic view of Adolf Hitler's rise to power, German expansionism, the start of war, and the defeat of Germany.
News & Media
At the start of war, the German army had only two Big Berthas, and both saw their first action against the complex of Belgian forts around Liège on August 12 , 1914
Encyclopedias
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
42 human-written examples
Israeli-Palestinian violence has continued sporadically since the start of the war in Iraq war.
News & Media
Retaking Falluja will most likely mean the start of the war after the war.
News & Media
Monday marks the 100th anniversary of Britain declaring war on Germany at the start of World War One.
News & Media
The Princess Royal visited a war memorial on the Isle of Wight to mark the start of World War One.
News & Media
Start of a war?
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing historical events, use "start of war" to clearly mark the commencement of a conflict and provide a specific temporal reference.
Common error
Avoid using "start of war" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your language with synonyms such as "outbreak of hostilities" or "commencement of conflict" to maintain reader engagement.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "start of war" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe a specific point in time or a set of events that mark the commencement of a conflict.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Academia
20%
Encyclopedias
10%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Science
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "start of war" is a grammatically sound and usable term for denoting the commencement of armed conflict. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedic entries. While relatively uncommon compared to other phrases, it effectively serves its purpose of marking the beginning of war. When writing, it is essential to avoid overuse and consider synonyms to maintain reader interest.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
outbreak of war
Emphasizes the sudden beginning of hostilities.
commencement of war
Highlights the formal initiation of conflict.
beginning of hostilities
Focuses on the initial acts of aggression.
initiation of warfare
Highlights the beginning stage of military operations.
onset of conflict
Indicates the emergence of a state of war.
dawn of war
Uses metaphorical language to describe the beginning of conflict.
genesis of war
Focuses on the origin and initial development of war.
eruption of war
Suggests a sudden and violent start to war.
inception of war
Emphasizes the initial stage of war's existence.
breaking out of war
Indicates the point at which a war begins suddenly.
FAQs
What can I say instead of "start of war"?
You can use alternatives like "outbreak of war", "commencement of war", or "beginning of hostilities" depending on the context.
How to use "start of war" in a sentence?
You can use "start of war" to indicate the beginning of a conflict, for example, "The assassination triggered the "start of war"".
What is the difference between ""start of war"" and "end of war"?
"Start of war" refers to the beginning of armed conflict, while "end of war" signifies its cessation or conclusion.
Is ""start of war"" formal or informal?
The phrase ""start of war"" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though synonyms might be preferred in very formal writing.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested