start time

USAGE SUMMARY

'start time' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the amount of time before a particular event begins. For example, "The start time for the movie is 7:00 pm."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Typical start time: 6 a.m.

The New York Times

Cider Mill start time.

The New York Times

The start time was two hours later.

The New Yorker

This acts as the start time.

University of California, Berkeley

What is the start time for webinars?

Cornell University

* Please note the 7 30 start time.

Stanford University

*Please not the change in start time.

Harvard University

One start time doesn't suit everyone.

The Guardian - Opinion

The new start time is 11.10am.

The Guardian - Sport

This number is its early start time.

Harvard Business Review

Surprisingly, song start time was positively related to peak frequency.

Animal Behaviour

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying a "start time", always include the date if the event isn't happening on the current day. Be specific with AM/PM or use 24-hour format to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone understands your local time. Always clarify the time zone (e.g., EST, PST) when communicating the "start time" to a broader audience. Otherwise, confusion could lead to missed events or deadlines.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start time" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig examples show it specifying when an event or process is scheduled to begin. It indicates a specific point in time when an activity is set to commence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

35%

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start time" is a very common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to specify the beginning of an event or activity. As supported by Ludwig, it functions to inform, schedule, or inquire about the commencement of something. It is versatile across academic, news, and scientific contexts, and generally maintains a neutral tone. When using "start time", remember to specify the time zone and include the date if the event does not occur on the current day to avoid confusion. Alternative phrases include "commencement time" or "beginning time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commencement time

Replaces "start" with "commencement", emphasizing a formal beginning.

beginning time

Uses "beginning" instead of "start", providing a slightly more general term.

initiation time

Emphasizes the act of initiating or setting something in motion.

kick-off time

More informal, suggesting the beginning of a sports event or project.

launch time

Implies the beginning of a product, project, or initiative.

opening time

Often refers to the time a business or event officially opens.

scheduled start

Highlights that the start is planned or predetermined.

time of inception

A more formal and elaborate way of indicating when something began.

first light

A more poetic or figurative way of indicating the start of something, especially a day or project.

zero hour

Implies a critical or decisive starting point, often used in military or strategic contexts.

FAQs

How do I use "start time" in a sentence?

You can use "start time" to indicate when something begins. For example, "The "meeting start time" is 9:00 AM", or "What is the "event start time"?"

What is another way to say "start time"?

Alternatives to "start time" include "beginning time", "commencement time", or "kick-off time", depending on the context.

Is it necessary to include a time zone when specifying the "start time"?

Yes, it's crucial to include the time zone, especially when communicating with people in different locations. Not specifying the time zone can lead to misunderstandings and missed events. For example, indicate "start time" as 2:00 PM EST.

What's the difference between "start time" and "end time"?

"Start time" refers to when something begins, while "end time" indicates when it concludes. Knowing both helps define the duration of an event or activity.