then I start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then I start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of an action or process that follows a previous statement or condition. Example: "After I finish my research, then I start writing the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then I start packing.

The New York Times

Then I start studying.

The New York Times

Then I start singing.

Independent

Then I start to giggle.

The Guardian - Travel

Then I start seeing reality.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then I start photographing for two hours.

The Guardian - Arts

And then I start to cry.

Independent

And then I start to question that.

The New York Times - Science

And then I start to investigate that".

The New York Times - Science

And then I start to feel seasick.

The Guardian - Travel

Then I start drawing in pencil — drawing and erasing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then I start" to clearly indicate a sequence of actions or a transition from one activity to another. It works best when the context makes it clear what "then" refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "then I start" when the sequence of events is unclear or ambiguous. Ensure that the "then" has a clear reference point in the preceding context, otherwise, use more specific transitional words like "afterward" or "subsequently".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then I start" functions as a sequential marker, indicating the commencement of an action immediately following a previous event. As Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate, it is often used to narrate a series of actions or to describe a process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "then I start" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the commencement of an action or process following a previous one. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, the phrase benefits from a clear temporal reference to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as ""after that I begin"" or ""next I proceed to"" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Mastering the use of "then I start" involves ensuring clarity in sequencing and avoiding redundancy for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after that I begin

Emphasizes the sequential nature of events, replacing "start" with "begin".

next I proceed to

Focuses on the progression of actions, using "proceed" as a substitute for "start".

subsequently I commence

A more formal alternative, using "commence" to indicate the beginning of an action.

following this I initiate

Highlights the order of events, substituting "start" with "initiate".

from there I move on to

Shows a transition from one action to another, substituting "start" with "move on".

thereafter I undertake

Implies a formal transition to a new task, replacing "start" with "undertake".

at that point I launch

Indicates the beginning of a specific activity or project.

in turn I get going

Indicates starting something after someone else has completed a task.

immediately I embark on

Highlights a quick transition to a new project or task, replacing "start" with "embark on".

accordingly I set about

Shows taking the necessary actions to start something after considering it.

FAQs

How can I use "then I start" in a sentence?

Use "then I start" to show the beginning of an action that follows another. For example: "I finish my work, "then I start" cooking dinner."

What phrases are similar to "then I start"?

Alternatives include "after that I begin", "next I proceed to", or "subsequently I commence". The most appropriate substitute depends on the context.

Is it correct to say "and then I start"?

Yes, adding "and" before "then I start" is grammatically correct and often used for emphasis or to connect ideas more smoothly. However, it can sometimes sound redundant, so use it judiciously.

What's the difference between "then I start" and "after that I start"?

"Then I start" implies a more immediate sequence, while "after that I start" emphasizes the completion of a previous action before the next one begins.