start something

USAGE SUMMARY

"start something" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to suggest a new activity or task. For example: "Let's start something new and exciting!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Start something at BigBrothersBigSisters.org".org

The New York Times

We can start something.

The New York Times - Magazine

Just start something!

The Guardian

Hopefully, this will start something".

The New York Times - Sports

"Maybe this will start something".

The New York Times

We could only start something".

The Guardian - Music

"We're hoping to start something next spring.

The Guardian

We're trying to start something here".

The New York Times - Sports

Boredom is the inability to start something.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then he would start something and she would finish it.

The New Yorker

"It is time to start something new," he told FIFA.com.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a formal tone, consider alternatives like "initiate something" or "commence something".

Common error

While "start something" is perfectly acceptable in many contexts, it might sound too casual in highly formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "initiate" or "establish" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start something" functions as a verb phrase, where "start" is the main verb and "something" acts as the direct object. Ludwig AI indicates this is a common and correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start something" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the initiation of an action or project. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct and usable in written English. It's prevalent in news and media, but also suitable for many different registers. Remember to consider the formality of your context when choosing between "start something" and synonyms like "begin" or "initiate". The choice depends on the nuance and tone you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin something

Focuses on the commencement of an activity or task, similar to "start something".

initiate something

Implies a more formal and deliberate beginning, often suggesting planning or a defined process.

launch something

Suggests a public or official beginning, often used for products, projects, or campaigns.

commence something

A formal term for beginning, often used in official or legal contexts.

kick off something

An informal phrase for starting something, often used for events or projects.

get something going

Focuses on initiating and maintaining momentum in an activity or project.

set something in motion

Implies starting a process or series of events.

establish something

Highlights the creation and foundation of something that is meant to last.

originate something

Suggests the creation of something entirely new or inventive.

found something

Implies establishing an organization or institution with a specific purpose.

FAQs

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

"Start something" is used to indicate the beginning of an activity, project, or relationship. For example, "Let's "start something" new this year" or "He decided to "start something" different after years in the same job".

What are some alternatives to "start something"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "begin something", "initiate something", or "launch something". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "start something new"?

Yes, "start something new" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It emphasizes the novelty of the activity being initiated. For example, "It's time to "start something new"".

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

While "start something" and "begin something" are often interchangeable, "begin something" can sometimes imply a more formal or serious undertaking. However, in most everyday contexts, they are used synonymously.