the start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the beginning or commencement of something. For example, "The start of the year was quite chaotic but things have been calming down since then."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Tonight was the start".

Independent

That's merely the start.

The New York Times - Books

From the start.

Forbes

"It's only the start".

The New York Times

"It's just the start.

The New York Times - Sports

If the "Start fresh.

The New York Times

It's the start though.

Independent

That's obvious from the start.

The New York Times

That was just the start.

The New York Times

The START treaty is gone.

The Economist

"The cafe was the start.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with the preposition 'at' for specific points (at the start) or 'from' for continuous durations (from the start).

Common error

Avoid using 'in the start' as it is almost always unidiomatic in English. Use 'at the start' to refer to a specific moment or '"in the beginning"' for more general or historical contexts.

Linguistic Context

As a noun phrase, "the start" functions as a structural anchor in a sentence. It typically acts as the object of a preposition (at, from, since) or the subject/complement of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it is used to define boundaries in time or sequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the start" is a versatile and essential noun phrase in English. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency across a wide array of high-quality sources, from The New York Times to WikiHow. It is most effectively used with the preposition 'at' to denote a specific moment or 'from' to indicate duration since the beginning. While "the beginning" is its closest synonym, "the start" often carries a more active or precise connotation. Whether you are writing a news report, a scientific paper or a simple set of instructions, this phrase remains a grammatically perfect and stylistically safe choice for identifying the origin of any process or event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the beginning

The most direct and interchangeable synonym for general contexts

the outset

Commonly used in the phrase 'from the outset' to imply the very first moment

the commencement

Provides a much more formal or official tone, often for ceremonies or legal matters

the inception

Specifically refers to the starting point of an institution, activity or idea

the launch

Focuses on the active initiation of a project, product or campaign

the kickoff

An informal or sports-derived term for the start of an event

the opening

Typically used for the first part of a performance, book or physical space

the genesis

Refers to the origin or mode of formation of something

the dawn

A metaphorical term indicating the very first appearance or rise of something

the first step

Emphasizes the initial action within a larger sequence of events

FAQs

How do I use "the start" in a sentence?

You can use it as a noun to indicate a beginning point, such as "The runner tripped at "the start" of the race" or "That was only "the start" of our problems".

What is the difference between "the start" and "the beginning"?

While often interchangeable, "the start" usually implies a sudden or precise point in time, whereas "the beginning" can refer to a more extended initial period.

Is it correct to say "at the start"?

Yes, "at the start" is the standard prepositional phrase. For example, Ludwig shows many instances where authors use it to pinpoint an exact moment, unlike the less common ""in the beginning"" which feels more narrative.

What can I say instead of "the start" in a business report?

In professional settings, you might prefer "the commencement" or "the outset" to sound more formal.