start sooner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start sooner" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that an action or event should begin earlier than originally planned. Example: "To ensure we meet the deadline, we should start sooner on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

An intensified public-relations campaign may start sooner.

The Economist

In the mountains of Kazakhstan, the decline may start sooner.

The New York Times

Those who start sooner will take the lead.

Harvard Business Review

Organizations that start sooner will be better positioned for success.

Harvard Business Review

The opportunity to prevent may have passed, but managing existing business processes can start sooner.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"The phrase 'must wait' doesn't say that you can't start sooner than 15 days".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

We should have started sooner.

The Guardian - Tech

His only regret is that he wishes he started sooner.

Princeton University

"It all just started sooner," Mr. Hoppe said.

The New York Times

And this process may be starting sooner than anyone predicted.

The Guardian

It is possible the revised data will also show that the recovery started sooner.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project management, use "start sooner" when discussing accelerating timelines or prioritizing early task initiation to meet deadlines effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "start sooner" without providing context or a reason for the accelerated timeline. Explain why starting earlier is necessary or beneficial to avoid confusion or resistance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start sooner" functions as a comparative expression, indicating a preference or need to begin an activity or process at an earlier time than initially planned or expected. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English and common across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Wiki

7%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start sooner" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that advises beginning an action earlier than initially planned. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English. Its prevalence across news media, academic papers, and business contexts underscores its versatility. When using "start sooner", consider the context to ensure your urgency is clear and well-justified. Alternatives such as "begin earlier" or "commence earlier" can increase formality. Remember that providing context for accelerating the start avoids potential misunderstanding and supports your rationale.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Begin earlier

Replaces "start" with "begin", offering a more formal alternative with the same core meaning.

Commence earlier

Substitutes "start" with "commence", increasing the formality of the phrase.

Initiate promptly

Replaces "start" and "sooner" with synonyms, creating a more emphatic and business-oriented tone.

Expedite the start

Focuses on accelerating the beginning of something, suggesting a process already planned.

Make a start now

Emphasizes the act of beginning immediately, adding a slight nuance of effort.

Bring forward

Expresses the idea of moving something to an earlier date or time.

Advance the timeline

Modifies the schedule to begin the timeline earlier, implying project management context.

Act now

Simplifies the phrase to a direct command, urging immediate action.

Launch forthwith

Uses more archaic language for a heightened sense of urgency and formality.

Get cracking

Offers an informal, colloquial alternative urging immediate action.

FAQs

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

You can use "start sooner" to suggest initiating an activity earlier than initially planned. For example, "To meet the deadline, we need to "start sooner" on the project".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "start sooner"?

Alternatives include "begin earlier", "commence earlier", or "initiate promptly", depending on the desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "start sooner" in professional writing?

It is appropriate to use "start sooner" in professional writing when you want to emphasize the importance of beginning a task or project at an earlier time than originally scheduled. It's especially effective when explaining how this will lead to improved efficiency or better results. Consider using alternatives like "expedite the start" when emphasizing the process of acceleration.

What's the difference between "start sooner" and "start immediately"?

"Start sooner" suggests beginning something earlier than a previously planned time, while "start immediately" implies beginning something without any delay. "Start immediately" conveys a stronger sense of urgency. Consider "act now" for similar emphasis.