time to start

USAGE SUMMARY

"time to start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that it is an appropriate moment to begin something. For example, "It's time to start dinner - shall we head to the kitchen?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Time to start packing.

The New York Times - Arts

Maybe it's time to start.

The New York Times

Time to start finger-pointing?

The New York Times

Time to start selling.

The Guardian - Sport

Time to start evolving.

The Guardian

Time to start salvaging.

The New York Times - Sports

What better time to start that scrapbook?

Independent

It is past time to start again.

The New York Times

So it's time to start debunking.

The New York Times

It was time to start anew.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Congrats time to start saving for college.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time to start" when you want to indicate the appropriate or designated moment to begin an activity or process. It's suitable for a wide range of contexts, from casual to somewhat formal.

Common error

While "time to start" is generally straightforward, avoid using it in contexts where a more specific or nuanced phrase would be more appropriate. For instance, instead of "It's time to start panicking," consider a more direct phrase like "Panic!"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time to start" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the appropriate or designated moment to begin an action or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts. It often serves as an imperative or a prompt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

14%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time to start" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to indicate the beginning of an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widely accepted in English. Its primary function is to signal the commencement of an activity, with the level of formality being neutral to informal. Predominantly found in News & Media and academic sources, it serves as a versatile phrase across a variety of contexts. For alternative expressions, consider "time to commence" or "let's get going", depending on the desired formality and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time to commence

Uses a more formal verb, 'commence', suggesting a more official or ceremonial start.

moment to begin

Replaces 'time' with 'moment' and 'start' with 'begin', implying a specific point in time for initiation.

opportunity to initiate

Emphasizes the availability of a chance or occasion to begin something.

occasion to launch

Suggests a formal or significant commencement, often used for projects or initiatives.

let's get going

An informal and encouraging way to suggest starting an activity.

it's go time

An informal phrase indicating readiness and excitement to begin.

we should get started

A suggestion to begin, often implying a collaborative effort.

the hour has arrived to start

A more dramatic and emphatic way to indicate that the time for beginning has come.

now is the moment to start

Highlights the present as the ideal time for beginning, emphasizing immediacy.

initiate proceedings

A formal phrase used primarily in legal or procedural contexts to indicate the commencement of a process.

FAQs

How can I use "time to start" in a sentence?

You can use "time to start" to indicate that it's the right moment to begin something. For example, "It's time to start the meeting" or "Time to start packing for the trip".

What are some alternatives to "time to start"?

Alternatives include phrases like "time to commence", "moment to begin", or "let's get going", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "time to start" grammatically correct?

Yes, "time to start" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It's a standard way to express the idea that it's the appropriate moment to begin something.

When is it most appropriate to use "time to start"?

It is appropriate in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from informal everyday situations (e.g., "Time to start dinner") to more formal settings (e.g., "It's time to start the presentation").