start the show

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start the show" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the beginning of a performance, presentation, or event. Example: "After a brief introduction, the host announced it was time to start the show."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We gotta start the show".

The Guardian - Music

"They don't start the show until we both sit down.

The New York Times - Sports

We start the show with our track No Lucifer.

The Guardian - Music

The Niners' youth and speed is going to start the show.

The New York Times

For this tour, Paisley had devised a sneaky way to start the show.

The New Yorker

They start the show dressed as ghosts, and the spectral atmosphere never quite evaporates.

The Guardian

When the right moment came, he summoned the company to start the show.

The Guardian

"I was in the habit of taking a drink to start the show.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then I'd walk to the door of the hut, lock it, and start the show".

The Guardian

We start the show from Hannah's point of view, so he seems like a manipulative creep.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Of course, it's merely a device to kick-start the show.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start the show" to clearly indicate the commencement of a performance, broadcast, or event. It's widely understood and suitable for both formal and informal settings.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "start the show" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with alternatives like "begin the performance" or "kick off the event" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start the show" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement or initiation of a performance, event, or presentation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It signals the moment when the main activity begins.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

12%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

The New Yorker

3%

The New York Times

3%

TechCrunch

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start the show" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to signal the beginning of a performance, event, or broadcast. According to Ludwig AI, it is versatile, but its neutrality suggests it may be more appropriate for informal or general contexts rather than strictly formal or academic settings. Alternatives such as "begin the performance" or "commence the program" can offer a more formal tone. While the phrase is frequently used in news and media, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples, varying language can prevent overuse and enhance writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin the performance

Replaces "start" with a more formal synonym "begin", suitable for professional contexts.

commence the program

Uses "commence" and "program" to convey a formal initiation of a scheduled event.

initiate the proceedings

Implies a structured or formal event is beginning, using more sophisticated vocabulary.

kick off the event

Offers a more informal and energetic way to say "start the show", suitable for less formal occasions.

get the ball rolling

An idiomatic way to describe starting something, implying the initiation of a process or activity.

open the presentation

Specifically refers to the start of a presentation, useful in business or academic contexts.

launch the production

Emphasizes the start of a theatrical or creative work, suitable for arts and entertainment.

set the stage

Implies preparation is complete, and now the main event begins; has a slightly different connotation.

ring up the curtain

An older, more theatrical way to indicate the beginning of a performance.

get underway

A simple and general phrase to mean starting an event or process.

FAQs

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

You can use "start the show" to indicate the beginning of a performance or event. For example, "The director signaled that it was time to start the show".

What can I say instead of "start the show"?

You can use alternatives like "begin the performance", "commence the program", or "kick off the event" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "start the show" in formal writing?

While "start the show" is widely understood, more formal options like "initiate the proceedings" or "commence the program" might be preferable in certain formal contexts.

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

"Start the show" specifically refers to beginning a performance or presentation, while "get the ball rolling" is a more general idiom for initiating any kind of activity or process.