start to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start to start" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a context where one is discussing the initiation of a process or action, but it is generally redundant. Example: "Before we can proceed, we need to start to start the project planning."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

He said he felt as if he were pitching for his career from start to start.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm not good enough yet to worry about start to start".

The New York Times - Sports

"At this time of year, we go start to start," Torre said.

The New York Times

"Right now, with four out of five starts he's given us, he's more than start to start," Torre said.

The New York Times - Sports

Moyer said it would be great, but explained that he made decisions from start to start, not year to year.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's why it's so important to have a clear conception from the start, to start off with a clear strategy".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

You want the guy who took over two days before the World Cup started to start a revolution?" Michu says.

The Guardian - Sport

Meetings started to start more on time, people started to have better conversations (and) we got to answers.

Forbes

Click on Get Started to start building your website.

WikiHow

Click "Start from scratch" to start the application.

WikiHow

But, as clever as his agent, Scott Boras, is, teams may be leery of investing a long-term contract in someone with start-to-start problems.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "start to start" isn't strictly incorrect, consider whether a single "start" or a more descriptive verb (e.g., "begin", "initiate", "launch") would be clearer and more concise. Redundancy can dilute your message.

Common error

Avoid using "start to start" when a single "start" suffices. Overusing redundant phrases can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Always aim for conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start to start" primarily functions as a verb phrase aiming to emphasize the initiation of an action. Ludwig AI indicates it is often redundant. Examples in Ludwig show it used in contexts where a repeated emphasis on beginning is intended.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

29%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start to start" is used to emphasize the beginning of an action or process. However, Ludwig's AI analysis suggests that it's often redundant and can be confusing, favoring a single "start" or more descriptive synonyms like "begin", "commence", or "initiate" for improved clarity and conciseness. This phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts, with a neutral to informal register. When aiming for precision in formal writing, consider alternatives to avoid potential redundancy and enhance the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to commence

Both words emphasize the initiation of an activity; a more emphatic way of expressing the commencement.

initiate the start

More specific in signaling the beginning of a process or action, reinforcing the start.

commence the beginning

Highlights the beginning phase in a formal manner, reinforcing the commencement.

kick off the start

More colloquial and emphasizes energetic commencement, focusing on the starting point.

launch the start

Implies setting something in motion, emphasizing initiation, stressing start.

trigger the start

Highlights what causes something to start, emphasizing what initiates the beginning.

activate the start

Emphasizes bringing something into an active state, stressing the initial phase.

set in motion the start

Focuses on initiating a series of actions, stressing the start

get the ball rolling at the start

Uses an idiomatic expression to emphasize initiating activity, with focus on the beginning.

get underway at the start

More formal, indicating something is beginning its course, highlighting the start.

FAQs

How can I avoid redundancy when using "start to start"?

In many cases, the first "start" is unnecessary. Simply using "start" or a synonym like "begin", "commence", or "initiate" will make your sentence clearer.

Is "start to start" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "start to start" is often redundant. Ludwig's AI suggests it can be confusing and is usually better replaced with a single "start" or a more precise verb.

What's a more formal alternative to "start to start"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "commence", "initiate", or "inaugurate" depending on the context. These words carry a more sophisticated and precise meaning than the repetitive "start to start".

When is it acceptable to use "start to start"?

It might be acceptable when emphasizing the very beginning of a process or action, but it's generally better to rephrase for clarity. For example, instead of "We need to start to start the project planning," try "We need to "initiate" project planning."