start rolling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start rolling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the beginning of a process, particularly in contexts like filming, recording, or initiating an activity. Example: "Once everyone is ready, we can start rolling on the first scene of the movie."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Start rolling the long roll in a spiral shape until you are done.

WikiHow

At some point investors may want the roll-up to start rolling again.

Forbes

Whenever they cool off start rolling them into little rolls.

WikiHow

"Things just start rolling," Wright said.

The New York Times - Sports

Or start rolling down the fiscal slope.

The New York Times

Until the criticisms start rolling in: "Too chocolatey".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That way, the ball will start rolling sooner and straighter.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The cameras started rolling.

The New Yorker

That ball starts rolling.

The New York Times - Sports

Everything started rolling downhill.

The New York Times - Sports

But then the results started rolling in.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start rolling" when you want to emphasize the beginning of a continuous or progressive action. It's suitable for both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

While "start rolling" is versatile, avoid overuse in strictly formal documents where more precise or sophisticated language may be appropriate. Consider alternatives like "commence" or "initiate" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start rolling" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of an action. As demonstrated in Ludwig, this action can be literal (e.g., "Start rolling the paper") or figurative (e.g., "Things just start rolling").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start rolling" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate the beginning of an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It's prevalent in news and media as well as wiki contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly informal register. While acceptable in most situations, writers should consider more formal alternatives like "commence" or "initiate" in academic or highly professional settings. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its application in diverse scenarios, from physical movements to project launches, reinforcing its role as a common and useful expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to roll

Focuses on the initial action of rolling rather than the continuous process.

commence rolling

Emphasizes a formal initiation of the rolling process.

initiate rolling

Highlights the starting point of the rolling action.

set in motion

Shifts the focus to the act of causing something to begin moving or progressing.

get underway

Implies a formal beginning, often used for projects or events.

kick off

Suggests an energetic and informal start.

get going

Indicates a start to movement or activity, more casual than "start rolling".

begin operating

Emphasizes the commencement of a functional process or system.

start functioning

Focuses on the initial phase of a system or device becoming operational.

start the ball rolling

Idiomatic expression meaning to initiate an action or process, often collaborative.

FAQs

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

You can use "start rolling" to describe the beginning of a physical movement, like "Start rolling the dough", or the beginning of a process, like "Let's start rolling on this project".

What's the difference between "start rolling" and "get started"?

"Start rolling" often implies a continuous action or process that is already in motion, while "get started" simply means to begin something.

What can I say instead of "start rolling"?

You can use alternatives like "begin to roll", "commence rolling", or "initiate rolling" depending on the context.

Is "start rolling" formal or informal?

"Start rolling" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. More formal alternatives exist, such as "commence" or "initiate", but "start rolling" is acceptable in many professional contexts.