starts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of an action or event. Example: "The meeting starts at 10 AM sharp."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When it starts to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

The Guardian

This policing of women's bodies starts early, and when young women are told repeatedly that their attire is linked to their worth, they fall prey to the unrelenting standards of capitalist patriarchy in which they are made to feel as though their appearance is the most important aspect of them as women.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was off work for three months, and endured several false starts in trying to get back to his coaching role at Durham university.

The Guardian - Sport

"Together, we can stop violence before it starts.

The Guardian

It starts at 5.30pm at King's Place near King's Cross station, London.

The Guardian

There are no guarantees that such scenic landscapes will remain unscathed if business starts to thrive on the island.

The Guardian

Also, as this excellent Atlantic piece points out, there's a slightly uneasy "white saviour" theme throughout, best exemplified by a genuinely ghastly scene where the family tell the slaves that they're letting them go, everybody starts hugging and, quick as a flash, one of the freed women starts singing Amazing Grace.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When players come in and play well the squad looks like it has depth, but when they come in and don't play well it starts to look a bit thin.

The Guardian - Sport

Russia has 180 days to pay the $50bn bill, plus $65m in legal fees and arbitration costs, before interest starts accumulating.

The Guardian - Business

So what if I say I want to collaborate with you in Evernote, and I start writing, but Evernote – since you're using it as well, it knows you – and it starts filling things in for you, as if you had done it?

The Guardian - Tech

And retrospectively, it starts to become clear what it was all for.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is needed, consider if more specific synonyms like "commences" or "initiates" might be more suitable to convey the intended nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "starts" in highly formal or academic writing where a more sophisticated term like "commences" or "initiates" might be preferable.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "starts" is as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'start'. It indicates the initiation or commencement of an action or event, as demonstrated by Ludwig and its various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

15%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "starts" is a versatile verb used to denote the commencement of an action or event. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is most frequently used in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for general communication. While "starts" is appropriate for most situations, more formal alternatives such as "begins" or "commences" may be preferred in certain academic or professional settings. Understanding these nuances can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begins

Denotes the initiation of an event or action, similar to "starts" but often considered slightly more formal.

commences

A more formal synonym for "starts", often used in official or ceremonial contexts.

initiates

Implies a more deliberate or planned beginning, often involving a process or series of actions.

kicks off

An informal way to say something begins, often used in the context of events or projects.

gets underway

Indicates the beginning of a process or activity, suggesting that preparations are complete.

is launched

Suggests a formal or public beginning, often used for products, initiatives, or campaigns.

springs up

Implies a sudden or unexpected beginning, often used for ideas or phenomena.

arises

Suggests the beginning of a situation or problem, often implying a cause or origin.

originates

Highlights the source or point of origin of something, emphasizing its initial creation or development.

opens

Specifically refers to the beginning of something such as a show, performance or an event.

FAQs

How can I use "starts" in a sentence?

You can use "starts" to indicate the beginning of an action or event. For example, "The meeting starts at 9 AM" or "The project starts next week".

What are some alternatives to "starts"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "begins", "commences", or "initiates".

Is there a difference between "starts" and "begins"?

While "starts" and "begins" are often interchangeable, "begins" can sometimes feel slightly more formal. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired tone.

When is it appropriate to use "starts" versus more formal synonyms?

"Starts" is suitable for most general contexts. In formal writing or official communications, consider using "commences" or "initiates" to maintain a more professional tone.