start on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the beginning of an action or task. Example: "I will start on the project after I finish my current assignments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Del Potro will start on serve.

The New York Times

Start on one side.

WikiHow

Start on one side of the head.

WikiHow

Start on level one.

WikiHow

Start on the supplements.

The New York Times

Let's start on this side.

Independent

"We'll start on ribs".

The New York Times

"Start on the defensive?

The Guardian - Sport

Start on 10 points.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Don't even start on mortgage abuses.

The New York Times

They have two years' start on us.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start on", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being initiated. For instance, specify the task, project, or activity that is beginning.

Common error

Ensure you clearly state what you are starting. Instead of saying "Let's start on", specify "Let's start on the project" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start on" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the commencement of an activity or task. Ludwig AI examples show it commonly precedes a noun or noun phrase, specifying the object or area upon which the action begins. It's widely used across different source types.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start on" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate the beginning of an action or task. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It is prevalent in various contexts, from news articles to instructional guides. While alternatives like "begin with" or "commence on" exist, "start on" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication scenarios. Remember to specify the subject following "start on" to ensure clarity. Overall, "start on" is a reliable and versatile phrase for indicating initiation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin with

Focuses on the initial point or element in a sequence or process, emphasizing the starting point.

commence on

A more formal synonym for starting, often used in official or ceremonial contexts.

embark on

Suggests a more significant or adventurous beginning, often used for projects or journeys.

initiate on

Implies a formal or structured beginning, often used in the context of processes or procedures.

launch into

Suggests a sudden and energetic beginning, often used for activities or discussions.

kick off with

An informal way to indicate the beginning of an event or activity.

get going on

Suggests initiating an activity or task, often in a practical or hands-on manner.

take up on

Implies commencing a specific task or issue, highlighting its adoption or acceptance.

set about on

Suggests a methodical and deliberate beginning, often used for complex tasks.

lead off with

Indicates starting with a specific element or aspect, often in a presentation or performance.

FAQs

How can I use "start on" in a sentence?

You can use "start on" to indicate the beginning of an action or task. For example, "Let's start on the report" or "We'll start on the next phase tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to "start on"?

Some alternatives to "start on" include "begin with", "commence on", or "embark on", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "start on" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "start on" is correct and commonly used. However, the best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. Consider alternatives like "begin with" for a simpler option.

What's the difference between "start on" and "begin with"?

While "start on" and "begin with" are similar, "start on" often implies beginning work or focus on something specific, while "begin with" can refer to the initial step in a process or the first item in a series.