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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
start without delay
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "start without delay" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone needs to take immediate action. For example, "If you want to finish the project on schedule, you must start without delay."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
begin immediately
commence forthwith
initiate at once
proceed without hesitation
start right away
get started now
take action immediately
move forward rapidly
implement as soon as possible
take action promptly
commence at once
proceed as soon as possible
act expeditiously
engage as soon as possible
respond as soon as possible
soonest possible beginning
immediate commencement
initiate immediately
kick off immediately
initiate promptly
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
The first is the immediate implementation of the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol to start without delay on January 1 , 2013
News & Media
France A spokesman for President Nicolas Sarkozy told reporters that Mr. Sarkozy "reiterates his wish to see a concrete transition process start without delay, in response to a desire for change and renewal so strongly expressed by the population.
News & Media
This step should be done as soon as possible so that the process can start without delay.
Surgery and effective rehabilitation should start without delay to allow ambulation after surgery as early as possible.
Science
As chemotherapy has to start without delay, patients are usually not discharged from hospital after surgery, thereby counteracting patients' desire to regain strength and activate resources in their familiar surroundings at home.
Science
I hope that the decisions, both in Parliament and in the Council, will be taken swiftly so that the negotiations between the two institutions on data protection can start without delay.
Formal & Business
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
Determination of a pregnant woman's status on a first serum sample allows therapeutic and preventive management to be started without delay.
This finding can be useful in clinical orthodontic practice as in delayed type of maturers at CS-3 treatment should be started without delay.
Science
If IGF-1 level is >310 ng/ml and cervical stage is 5, orthopedic treatment may be started without delay because very little time for growth is remaining.
Science
The condition is usually reversible when early diagnosis is established and appropriate treatment is started without delay; symptoms generally resolve within a period of days or weeks while recovery of the MRI abnormalities takes longer [49].
CPR would be started without delay in that setting.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "start without delay", ensure the context clearly indicates what action needs to be initiated immediately. For example, "Given the urgency of the situation, we must "start without delay" to mitigate potential damage."
Common error
While grammatically correct, "start without delay" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "start now" or "get going" in informal settings.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "start without delay" functions as an imperative, urging immediate commencement of an action. Ludwig provides examples from various domains, highlighting its role in emphasizing urgency. It directly commands or strongly encourages initiating something promptly.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
40%
Formal & Business
20%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "start without delay" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that conveys a sense of urgency and emphasizes the need for immediate action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively uncommon, it finds application across scientific, news, and formal business contexts. Alternatives like "begin immediately" or "commence forthwith" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality. When using "start without delay", ensure that the situation genuinely calls for immediacy and that the tone aligns with the context. Overusing it in informal settings can sound unnatural. When needing to convey a sense of urgency, "start without delay" is a valid and effective phrase to use.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
begin immediately
Replaces "start" with "begin" and uses the adverb "immediately" instead of "without delay".
commence forthwith
"Commence" is a more formal synonym for "start", and "forthwith" implies immediate action.
initiate at once
Uses "initiate" for "start" and "at once" for immediate action.
begin without further ado
Substitutes "without delay" with the idiom "without further ado", suggesting a quick start.
proceed without hesitation
Emphasizes the lack of hesitation in starting, implying immediacy.
start right away
Uses the more casual phrase "right away" to convey immediacy.
get started now
A more informal way to express the need to start immediately.
take action immediately
Focuses on taking immediate action rather than just starting.
launch directly
Uses "launch" as a more dynamic synonym for "start", suggesting a quick and direct beginning.
set about without procrastination
Replaces "start" with "set about" and emphasizes the absence of procrastination.
FAQs
How can I use "start without delay" in a sentence?
You can use "start without delay" to emphasize the urgency of beginning a task. For example, "The project is already behind schedule, so we need to "start without delay"".
What are some alternatives to "start without delay"?
Alternatives include "begin immediately", "commence forthwith", or "initiate at once". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality.
Is it better to say "start immediately" or "start without delay"?
Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "start immediately" is more direct. "Start without delay" adds a slight emphasis on avoiding any postponement. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context.
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "start without delay"?
The phrase "start without delay" is appropriate when there is a need to emphasize the importance of beginning something quickly and without any hesitation. This is due to its emphasis on the absence of further postponement. This is often used in formal or urgent situations.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested