starts to move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starts to move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the beginning of motion or action, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "As the clock struck midnight, the party starts to move into full swing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then he starts to move again.

Independent

It starts to move out of his reach.

The New Yorker

"Once the weight starts to move, it's not going to stop".

The New Yorker

Imperceptibly, with excitable stealth, the camera starts to move, approaching each of them in turn.

The New Yorker

The shot starts to move when the pressure on it overcomes its resistance to motion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The next thing he does, he starts to move the gun away from his body.

The Guardian

Brown starts to move among the guests, but his body language screams his discomfort.

The Guardian

As the jet starts to move, she begins to notice her surroundings again.

The Guardian

She starts to move her fingers, as if she were sewing.

The New York Times

When a cell starts to move, it has to reorganize its interior.

The New York Times - Science

Even as the FBI starts to move in, the KGB also gain ground.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starts to move" when you want to emphasize the initial phase of motion or a process. It is versatile and can be applied to both physical and abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "starts to move" for every instance of initiating motion. Vary your descriptions with more vivid verbs like "lunges", "glides", or "jolts" to enhance the imagery and prevent repetitive prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starts to move" functions as a verb phrase indicating the beginning of motion or activity. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in diverse contexts, from physical movement to abstract processes. It often introduces a change in state or location.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starts to move" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that signifies the beginning of motion or a process. Ludwig's analysis reveals that it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news media, scientific publications, and wiki content. The phrase is generally used in a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse contexts. While many alternatives exist, such as "begins to move" or "commences moving", the choice depends on the desired nuance. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and applicability across a wide range of scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begins to move

Simply replaces "starts" with "begins", a direct synonym, offering minimal semantic difference.

starts moving

A slightly different phrasing with the same core meaning, simply changing the structure.

commences moving

"Commences" is a more formal substitute for "starts", adding a slightly more elevated tone.

initiates movement

Replaces the verb phrase with a noun and verb, emphasizing the act of initiation more directly.

sets in motion

Implies a more deliberate action of causing something to move, often with a broader scope.

gets underway

More suitable for describing the beginning of an event or process rather than physical movement.

takes off

Implies rapid or sudden movement, often associated with vehicles or projects.

springs into action

Suggests a sudden and energetic start of movement or activity.

shifts position

Focuses on a change in location, rather than the initiation of movement itself.

wakens

Implies a start from a state of rest or inactivity, particularly applicable to living beings.

FAQs

How can I use "starts to move" in a sentence?

You can use "starts to move" to describe the beginning of physical motion, as in "The car "starts to move" forward", or the beginning of a process, as in "The project "starts to move" toward completion".

What are some alternatives to "starts to move"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "begins to move", "commences moving", or "sets in motion". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "starts to move" or "starts moving"?

Both ""starts to move"" and "starts moving" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What's the difference between "starts to move" and "shifts position"?

"Starts to move" generally refers to the initiation of motion from a stationary state, while "shifts position" implies a change in location or orientation without necessarily starting from complete rest.