start the program

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start the program" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when giving instructions to initiate a software application or process. Example: "To begin the installation, please click on the icon to start the program."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Click on FeedForm.mdb to start the program.

Cornell University

Type HKL2000 to start the program.

Cornell University

Instead, private donations are being used to start the program.

The New York Times

One button lets you start the program you are watching.

The New York Times

It doesn't even tell you how to start the program.

The New York Times

Mr. Bartee's "arms that work" and Ms. Mullin's "Lost in Light" start the program.

The New York Times - Arts

Federal officials require states' permission to start the program, and states can refuse.

The New York Times

Don't wait to start the program, by the way, until your shoulders ache.

The New York Times

He wants to start the program within two weeks of taking office next month.

The New York Times

(The company decided to start the program immediately, rather than wait to get a corporate sponsor).

The New York Times

He worked with the Poetry Society of America to start the program.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing users, provide specific details like where to find the program icon or the command to type. For example, "To "start the program", double-click the icon on your desktop or type 'run' in the command prompt."

Common error

Avoid assuming users know the program's location or initial setup. Instead of saying "Just "start the program"", provide step-by-step instructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start the program" functions as an imperative, typically used to give a direct instruction to a user or reader. It’s commonly found in instructional materials and user guides. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct to use "start the program" when giving instructions to initiate a software application or process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

28%

News & Media

26%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start the program" is a grammatically sound and frequently used instruction across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as a direct command to initiate a software or process, particularly in instructional settings. Although alternative phrases such as "launch the application" or "initiate the software" exist for varied formality levels, "start the program" remains versatile and widely understood. It is considered appropriate in diverse contexts, ranging from academic guides to media articles and Wiki instructions, signifying its broad applicability and comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

launch the application

Replaces "program" with "application", often used in a software context.

initiate the software

Uses more formal terms "initiate" and "software" instead of "start" and "program".

begin the process

Substitutes "program" with "process", suitable for broader contexts beyond software.

execute the code

Technical term, specifically referring to running a piece of code.

run the routine

Implies a set of instructions or a procedure is being initiated.

get the system going

An informal way to indicate starting a system or program.

activate the function

Focuses on activating a specific function within a program.

commence the operation

Uses more formal and technical language.

kick off the process

Informal way to indicate starting a process, often used in project management.

fire up the application

An informal way to indicate starting an application.

FAQs

How can I use "start the program" in a sentence?

You can use "start the program" when giving instructions, such as "To "start the program", click the icon on your desktop" or "Type 'run' to "start the program" from the command line".

What's a more formal way to say "start the program"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "initiate the application" or "launch the application". These alternatives sound more professional in certain contexts.

Is it okay to say "start the program" in professional writing?

Yes, "start the program" is acceptable in professional writing, especially when providing instructions. However, consider the audience and context. For more formal documents, "initiate the software" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "start the program" and "run the program"?

While similar, "start the program" refers to initiating the application, whereas "run the program" often implies that the program is already initiated and is actively executing its functions.