start on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start on something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the beginning of a task, project, or activity. Example: "I need to start on the report by the end of the day to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

If you can't stand to do even one push-up, then start on something softer like carpet, linoleum, or even grass.

WikiHow

I happened to be free to start on something new, so I went in and spoke to one of the editors about the idea.

The New Yorker

I'll probably start on something later in the year.

The Guardian - Books

When he'd get bored, he would just spin it and start on something else".

The New Yorker

Nor did he want to start on something he was not committed to.Liberalism, testedThe pride and pollution of practical politics could be assuaged, he believed, only by turning them towards the good of society and America as a whole.

The Economist

There is a progression that beginners follow, since they start on something not much larger than a bump and advance to smaller 20-meter and 30-meter jumps near Salisbury's chief (65-meter) jump.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It is a big step in your life - you are closing one chapter in your life and starting on something completely new.

BBC

"I'll get started on something and then lose focus, move on to something else.

The New York Times - Magazine

But when I get started on something I just sit for 18 hours and suddenly realise that I have to pee.

The Guardian - Books

But both Ismail and JW are eager to get started on something new; he talks about his generation of indie developers – the class of 2010 – and how a lot of them have had a shot at making a big successful title, but now want to scale back and experiment with smaller projects.

The Guardian - Tech

But I look around here" —the biotech incubator PLab currently calls home—"and see nothing … preventing people, if they really have the heart and desire, to set up a bench here and get started on something".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start on something", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being started. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "start on something" without specifying the 'something'. For instance, instead of saying "I should start on something", specify "I should start on the project report" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start on something" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the initiation or commencement of an action or task. Ludwig AI shows that it’s commonly used to express the beginning of work on a specific project or activity. For instance, "I'll probably start on something later in the year."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

29%

Science & Research

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

8%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start on something" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating the beginning of a task or project. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific publications. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's essential to provide clarity by specifying the 'something' to avoid ambiguity. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives such as "commence something" or "initiate something".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin working on something

Replaces "start" with "begin" and adds "working" for more emphasis on the action.

commence something

Uses a more formal verb, "commence", to indicate the beginning of an activity.

initiate something

Similar to "commence" but emphasizes taking the first step or action.

embark on something

Suggests starting a journey or endeavor, often something significant.

get going on something

An informal way to say "start", emphasizing the act of initiating progress.

take up something

Implies starting a new hobby, interest, or responsibility.

set about something

Suggests starting a task or project in a methodical or deliberate manner.

launch into something

Indicates starting something with enthusiasm and energy.

get cracking on something

An informal expression meaning to start working on something quickly and efficiently.

make a start on something

Emphasizes the act of beginning, often implying that the task is large or daunting.

FAQs

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

You can use "start on something" to indicate the beginning of a task or project. For example: "I need to "begin working on" the report by the end of the day".

What's a more formal way to say "start on something"?

A more formal alternative to "start on something" is to use phrases such as "commence something" or "initiate something" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "start in something" instead of "start on something"?

While "start in something" can be grammatically correct in some contexts (e.g., "start in a new role"), it's not interchangeable with "start on something", which implies beginning work or focus on a particular item. The best option is "begin working on".

What are some other alternatives for "start on something"?

You can also use alternatives like "embark on something", "get going on something", or "take up something" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.