start out

USAGE SUMMARY

"start out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean "to begin a journey, process, or activity". For example, "The team started out the game strong, scoring three goals in the first half."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Just to start out".

The New York Times

"They start out silky.

The New York Times - Food

Things start out normally enough.

The New York Times

They start out wrong.

The Guardian - Film

They start out bigger.

The Washington Post

Start out by aiming high..

Columbia University

Things did not start out that way.

The New York Times

Tip: Start out small.

Forbes

We start out with a simple example.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

I will start out with my view.

Forbes

But I didn't start out there.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start out" when emphasizing the initial phase of an activity, journey, or career. It often implies a progression or development from that initial point.

Common error

Avoid phrases like "start out from" or "start out of" as they add unnecessary prepositions. Simply use "start out" to indicate the beginning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start out" functions as an intransitive verb, indicating the commencement or initial stage of an action, journey, or state. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, as demonstrated by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

44%

News & Media

39%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start out" is a versatile and commonly used intransitive verb that indicates the beginning or initial phase of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in Wiki and News & Media sources. While it is generally considered neutral in register, it can lean towards informal. When using "start out", avoid redundant prepositions like "from" or "of". Alternatives like "begin", "commence", and "initiate" can be used depending on the context. Remember that "start out" often implies a journey or progression from the initial point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin

A more general term for initiating something; lacks the specific nuance of setting forth or embarking.

commence

A more formal alternative, suitable for official or ceremonial contexts.

initiate

Implies a more deliberate or structured beginning.

embark on

Suggests a significant undertaking or journey.

launch into

Implies a quick and energetic start.

kick off

An informal term, often used in the context of projects or events.

set in motion

Focuses on the act of initiating a process or chain of events.

get underway

Implies the start of something that has been planned or prepared for.

get going

An informal way to express starting something, often with a sense of urgency.

originate

Focuses on the point of origin or creation.

FAQs

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

You can use "start out" to describe the beginning of an activity, journey, or career. For example, "I "start out" my day with a cup of coffee" or "She "started out" as a volunteer and became the CEO".

What are some alternatives to "start out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "begin", "commence", or "initiate".

Is it correct to say "start out from" instead of "start out"?

Using "start out from" can be redundant. It's generally better to simply use ""start out"".

What's the difference between "start out" and "begin"?

While both indicate a beginning, ""start out"" often implies a journey or progression, whereas "begin" is a more general term.