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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
starting the weekend
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
heading into the weekend
beginning the weekend
leading up to the weekend
as we approach the weekend
before the weekend arrives
preparing for the weekend
looking forward to the weekend
going into the weekend
prior to the weekend
the weekend before
the sunday before
the day before
the case before
the pot before
the minute before
the following weekend
the time before
the previous weekend
the weekend preceding
the night before
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
17 human-written examples
We're starting the weekend, let's roll.
News & Media
"Tolerant people coming together, young people, Parisians starting the weekend after work".
News & Media
Yet, with 10 players starting the weekend at even par or better, almost anything could happen.
News & Media
But Toms is starting the weekend with another chance to finish on top.
News & Media
So it would be logical that, like Muslims, observant Jews would favor starting the weekend on Friday morning.
News & Media
Despite starting the weekend behind Genoa in the table, Milan had still been favoured by the bookies to win at the Marassi.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
43 human-written examples
3pm, free The RSC is kick-starting the weekend of festivities with a spectacular firework display from the rooftop of its theatre, which will follow Wednesday evening's performance of Henry IV Part I.
News & Media
Start the weekend early?
What a way to start the weekend.
News & Media
Eleven teams started the weekend undefeated; only five remain.
News & Media
Amy Astley, Teen Vogue's editor in chief, started the weekend by interviewing Grace Coddington, Vogue's creative director.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Pair the phrase with a specific activity to ground the transition in a real-world context, such as "starting the weekend with a quiet dinner".
Common error
Do not use "starting the weekend" when the exact day is crucial for clarity in business scheduling. For example, specify "starting the weekend on Friday afternoon" to avoid confusion with Saturday morning.
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
As observed in Ludwig, "starting the weekend" primarily functions as a gerund-participle phrase. It often acts as an adverbial of time or a progressive verbal construction following an auxiliary verb. It sets the scene for an action occurring at the onset of the weekly break.
Frequent in
News & Media
75%
Academia
15%
Social Media
10%
Less common in
Science
5%
Encyclopedias
3%
Wiki
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In conclusion, "starting the weekend" is a highly effective and grammatically correct phrase for marking the end of the work week. Ludwig AI reveals that the phrase is exceptionally popular in journalism and campus social spheres, where it serves as a bridge between professional obligations and personal recreation. While it is naturally a neutral expression, it can be easily adjusted for energy by substituting it with "<a href="/s/kicking+off+the+weekend" target="_blank" rel="alternative">kicking off the weekend" or for formality with "<a href="/s/beginning+the+weekend" target="_blank" rel="alternative">beginning the weekend". Its widespread use across authoritative sources like The New York Times and the BBC confirms its reliability for any writer looking to signal the start of Saturday and Sunday festivities.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
kicking off the weekend
Implies a more energetic or celebratory beginning
beginning the weekend
A more formal and neutral alternative
getting the weekend started
Uses a causative structure to suggest active preparation
heading into the weekend
Emphasizes the transition or movement toward the break
ringing in the weekend
Suggests a more festive or landmark arrival
welcoming the weekend
Highlights a positive or appreciative attitude toward the break
launching the weekend
Implies a planned or major set of events
setting off the weekend
Often used in the context of events that trigger the break
entering the weekend
A more literal description of the temporal shift
starting the holiday
Shifts the scope from a weekly break to a longer vacation
FAQs
How to use "starting the weekend" in a sentence?
You can use it as an introductory phrase or a complement, such as: "The team is <a href="/s/starting+the+weekend" target="_blank" rel="alternative">starting the weekend early to celebrate the project completion."
What can I say instead of "starting the weekend"?
Depending on the mood, you might choose "<a href="/s/kicking+off+the+weekend" target="_blank" rel="alternative">kicking off the weekend" for more energy or "<a href="/s/heading+into+the+weekend" target="_blank" rel="alternative">heading into the weekend" for a smoother transition.
Which is more formal, "starting the weekend" or "beginning the weekend"?
While both are acceptable, "<a href="/s/beginning+the+weekend" target="_blank" rel="alternative">beginning the weekend" is often perceived as slightly more formal and is better suited for professional contexts.
What is the difference between "starting the weekend" and "starting the holiday"?
The phrase "<a href="/s/starting+the+holiday" target="_blank" rel="alternative">starting the holiday" typically refers to a longer vacation period or a public holiday rather than the standard two-day break.
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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
91%
Authority and reliability
4.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested