start things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to initiating activities, projects, or processes. Example: "We need to start things off with a team meeting to discuss our goals for the quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

In America, people start things, fail and shake themselves down and start things again.

The Guardian - Opinion

"All it takes is one school to start things.

The New York Times - Sports

But usually once the games start, things settle down".

The New York Times - Sports

I tried to start things; they didn't happen.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

6pm  Why not start things off with an absolute classic of a film?

Independent

"You always want to start things," Mr. Theyskens said, "but you want to measure the risk".

The New York Times

"The Senate ought to be the caldron to start things out," Mr. Schumer recalled saying.

The New York Times

"A lot of French come here to start things," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"So we wanted to jump-start things, and now we bring in name acts".

The New York Times

We just need to get a result, a bit of good fortune, and hopefully that will kick-start things".

Independent

You may even have a few bucks saved away to kick-start things.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start things" when you want to convey the idea of initiating an action, project, or discussion. The phrase is versatile and suitable for a variety of contexts.

Common error

While versatile, excessive use of "start things" can make formal writing sound repetitive. Consider using more specific verbs like "initiate", "commence", or "launch" to add nuance and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start things" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the initiation or commencement of activities, processes, or projects. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start things" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote the initiation of actions, projects, or discussions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, though perhaps less so in very formal writing. While it appears frequently in news and media, along with wiki content, considering alternatives like ""initiate"", ""commence"", or ""get underway"" can enhance the precision and style of your writing, particularly in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kick off

Emphasizes an energetic and decisive beginning, often used in informal contexts.

get underway

Focuses on the commencement of an activity or project, often implying a smooth beginning.

set in motion

Highlights the act of initiating a series of events or processes.

launch initiatives

Refers to starting new programs or projects, often with a specific goal in mind.

spark activity

Implies causing a sudden burst of activity or interest.

initiate proceedings

Implies a formal or official start to a process, often in legal or bureaucratic contexts.

trigger action

Focuses on the act of causing something to begin or happen.

originate plans

Focuses on creating the initial plans or ideas for a project.

commence operations

Suggests the start of business or organizational activities.

instigate action

Suggests initiating something, often with a sense of urgency or importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "start things" to describe beginning an activity, such as "Let's start things with a brainstorming session" or "The company plans to start things early next quarter".

What are some alternatives to "start things"?

Alternatives include "get underway", "kick off", "initiate", or "commence" depending on the context.

Is "start things" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "start things" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "initiate", "commence", or "undertake".

What is the difference between "start things" and "begin things"?

"Start things" and "begin things" are largely interchangeable. However, "start things" often implies a more active or energetic initiation, while "begin things" can be more neutral.