start the course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start the course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initiation of a class, training program, or educational module. Example: "We are excited to start the course on digital marketing next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Behind them, two more Marines, both women, prepared to start the course.

The New York Times

We also offer courses for parents and send letters home before students start the course.

The Guardian

A further 138 men who had been waiting to start the course are now to be offered the drug immediately.

Independent

With a few weeks of holiday ahead, I am cramming in some reading before I start the course.

The Guardian

I had hoped to start the course in September 2017, but I think that is now unlikely.

The Guardian

The first to start the course from Newcastle to South Shields were the elite wheelchair athletes.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

A size increase is promised between four to seven months after starting the course.

The Guardian

"I feel much better about myself since I started the course.

The Guardian - Money

Think about why you started the course or task in the first place – what's the end goal?

The Guardian

16,058 people started the course and 15,883 made it to the end, leaving 175 who didn't.

The Guardian

Interestingly, an impressive 32.4% of pupils secured their pupillage before starting the course (up from 20% last year).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the start of a course, ensure the context is clear. For instance, specify the date, location, or any preparatory steps involved.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone will "start the course" without providing details such as the course name, institution, or start date. Always aim for clarity and completeness to provide meaningful context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start the course" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement or initiation of a learning program. Ludwig provides examples that showcase its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start the course" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating the beginning of a course or program. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across various contexts, including news, science, and informal settings. While more formal alternatives exist, "start the course" remains a clear and effective choice for general use. Remember to provide context to the subject of the course for clarity. By taking note of these guidelines, you can confidently use "start the course" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin the course

Uses a different verb to indicate the commencement of the course.

get started with the course

A more casual and direct way to express beginning the course.

commence the course

A more formal synonym for starting the course.

initiate the course

Suggests a more formal or official beginning.

kick off the course

An informal phrase emphasizing the initial start or launch of the course.

embark on the course

Implies beginning a journey or undertaking.

get underway with the course

Indicates the course is beginning to progress.

take up the course

Focuses on the action of engaging with the course material.

enroll in the course

Highlights the act of registering or joining the course.

register for the course

Similar to enroll, but emphasizes the registration aspect.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "start the course"?

You can use alternatives like "begin the course", "commence the course", or "initiate the course" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "start the course" or "begin the course"?

Both "start the course" and "begin the course" are correct and widely accepted. "Start" is generally more common and informal, while "begin" is slightly more formal.

What should I include when describing someone who will "start the course"?

Include specific details such as the course name, institution, start date, and any preparatory steps or requirements. This provides clearer and more useful information.

What is the difference between "start the course" and "enroll in the course"?

"Start the course" refers to the commencement of classes or lessons. "Enroll in the course" refers to the action of registering or signing up for the course, which typically happens before the course begins.