things kick off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things kick off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the beginning of an event or activity. Example: "The conference will start at 9 AM, and things will kick off with a keynote speech."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Still, things kick off in breezy style in the complex's smaller Minerva with a rare revival of this 50s musical.

The Guardian

With a wink at This Is Spinal Tap, things kick off in England with the pair questing to find Stonehenge with the help of a semi-reliable GPS.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Why not take this time to introduce yourself in the comments section, and I'll be back here when things kick off at eight.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Things kick off on Friday with the Bedlam Fair at Green Park Station, and continue next weekend at Green Park Market and Kingsmead.

The Guardian

Things kick off tonight with the Finnish ensemble Race Horse and Super Sunday, a show featuring a human catapult, a wheel of death and more.

The Guardian

Things kick off on Wednesday with A United Kingdom (pictured above), Amma Asante's drama of love and prejudice in postwar Britain, starring David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Things kicked off at Milk Studios, where Pamela Love hosted a Valentine's Day jam session with the Brooklyn band Vietnam.

The New York Times

Within minutes of things kicking off material like this was all over the social media sites like YouTube.

The Guardian - Sport

Things kicked off this morning with Breakfast vs Daybreak, a programme I have successfully managed to avoid since its very first venture on to screen.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Thankfully we used Caracas only as a hub, a particular blessing when things kicked off during political demonstrations in the city resulting in violence and many deaths.

The Guardian - Travel

Things kicked off on a gray Saturday when buses rolled into the Gîte du Mont-Albert, a lodge deep in Gaspésie National Park, about 450 miles northeast of Montreal — the journey's first hub.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things kick off" to signal an informal and engaging start to an event, activity, or process. It's suitable for grabbing attention and setting a lively tone.

Common error

Avoid using "things kick off" in formal or academic writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "begin", "commence", or "get underway" to maintain a serious and respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things kick off" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the start or commencement of an event or activity. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it's often used to introduce the beginning of scheduled events, performances, or even conflicts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "things kick off" is a common and correct idiomatic phrase used to indicate the beginning of an event or activity, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's primarily used in informal contexts, such as news and media, and is best avoided in formal writing. While grammatically sound, it's essential to consider the register and choose more professional alternatives like "begin" or "commence" in certain settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

things get underway

Similar in meaning, implying that preparations are complete and the event is starting.

things begin

A more general and less emphatic way to express the start of something.

events start

Focuses on the events themselves, rather than the more ambiguous "things".

things commence

Formal alternative, replacing the idiomatic "kick off" with the more neutral "commence".

activities begin

More specific, suggesting a series of planned actions is starting.

the action starts

Highlights the exciting or dynamic nature of the commencement.

the opening begins

Suitable for events or performances with a distinct opening segment.

the ball gets rolling

Idiomatic, implying the start of a process that will gain momentum.

proceedings commence

Very formal, typically used in official or legal contexts.

the curtain rises

Figurative, specifically referring to the start of a theatrical performance or similar event.

FAQs

What does "things kick off" mean?

The phrase "things kick off" means that something is about to begin or start, often in an energetic or exciting way. It's an informal idiom used to indicate the commencement of an event or activity.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "things kick off"?

It's appropriate to use "things kick off" in informal contexts, such as conversations with friends, casual writing, or when describing events in a lighthearted manner. Avoid using it in formal or professional settings.

What are some alternatives to "things kick off"?

You can use alternatives like "things begin", "events start", or "activities begin" depending on the context. In more formal settings, consider using "things commence" or "proceedings commence".

Is "things kick off" grammatically correct?

Yes, "things kick off" is grammatically correct, though it is an idiomatic expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's acceptable for use in written English, particularly in informal contexts.