start timing

USAGE SUMMARY

"start timing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used in a context where someone is timing something, such as a race or activity. For example, "On your marks, get set, start timing!".

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Place the rocker on the vent and start timing the specified process time.

WikiHow

When learning the scales, learn them solidly first at a slower tempo, then gradually build up speed and start timing yourself until you can make it under the time limit every time.

WikiHow

The left-hander looked fluent from the start, timing the ball sweetly as he combined with first Sharma and then Dhoni to accelerate the Indian innings.

BBC

aAny additional time spent by a health care professional looking at the patient's chart before a research assistant arrived to start timing.

BMC Health Services Research

After subjects were told to start, timing with a hand-held stopwatch began when their first foot touched the floor beyond the start line.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Our finding suggests that the observed cluster of elevated ESRD incidence may be in part due to differences in clinical practice patterns of nephrologists on the dialysis start timing.

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

When the system initialization is complete, CPRG unit starts working: The nonlinear function outputs the delay time value T n ; the timer starts timing; the comparator compares its two inputs constantly.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"Right, I started timing you three minutes ago," he says.

The Guardian

They went into this micromanaging period where they started timing everything, picking every single word apart.

The New York Times

Soon after the party, they started timing their morning swims at Trinity to coincide.

The New York Times - Style

A racer listens to the sound to hear whether the engine is running rich or lean, and, when the car is thought to be at maximum speed, starts timing the eight laps.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to measure an interval, follow "start timing" with a specific indication of what event marks the end of the timing period. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "set timing" when you mean "start timing". "Set timing" usually refers to adjusting a timer to a specific duration before it begins, while "start timing" refers to initiating the measurement of an interval in real-time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start timing" functions as a directive, instructing someone to begin the process of measuring time. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a common phrase used in various contexts. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in cooking, sports, and scientific experiments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

Science

33%

News & Media

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start timing" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to instruct the beginning of a time measurement. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness across diverse contexts. It's particularly prevalent in "Wiki", "Science", and "News & Media" sources. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to specify the endpoint of the timing period. Alternatives include "begin timing" and "commence timing". A common error is confusing it with "set timing", which refers to setting a timer for a future event, rather than measuring an ongoing one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin timing

This alternative uses a different verb with similar meaning to "start".

commence timing

This alternative uses a more formal verb to indicate the beginning of timing.

initiate timing

This alternative emphasizes the act of setting the timing process in motion.

begin measuring time

This alternative is a more descriptive way of saying to start timing.

time from this moment

This alternative emphasizes the point from which the timing begins.

kick off the timing

This alternative uses a more informal and figurative expression for starting the timing.

activate the stopwatch

This alternative refers specifically to using a stopwatch to begin timing.

get the timer going

This alternative focuses on the action of activating the timer.

start the countdown

This alternative refers to initiating a countdown sequence.

set the clock running

This alternative uses a metaphor of setting a clock in motion.

FAQs

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

You can use "start timing" to instruct someone to begin measuring a duration, like "Start timing when the light turns green" or "Press the button to start timing the experiment".

What can I say instead of "start timing"?

You can use alternatives like "begin timing", "commence timing", or "initiate timing" depending on the context.

When should I use "start timing" versus "set a timer"?

"Start timing" is used to measure an ongoing event, while "set a timer" is used to create a countdown for a future event. For example, "Start timing when the race begins", versus "Set a timer for 30 minutes".

Is "start to time" a valid alternative to "start timing"?

While grammatically correct, "start to time" is less common than "start timing". "Start timing" is generally preferred for its directness and conciseness.