to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the beginning of an action or process. Example: "To start, we need to gather all the necessary materials for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Just to start out".

The New York Times

"He wants to start.

Independent

Surviving to start again".

The New Yorker

It's enough to start.

The New York Times

A doughnut to start.

The New York Times

JT: Where to start?

Independent

Time to start repairs.

The New York Times

He's fine to start".

The New York Times - Sports

Time to start packing.

The New York Times - Arts

To start a school".

The New York Times

And to start?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to start" in a sentence, ensure it clearly indicates the commencement of an action or process. For variety, consider synonyms like "to begin" or "to commence" depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "to start" excessively in complex sentences where it can create redundancy. Instead, streamline the sentence by directly stating the action or process without the introductory phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to start" primarily functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct construction. Examples in the search data show it introducing actions in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

31%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to start" serves as a grammatically sound and versatile infinitive phrase, predominantly used to indicate the commencement of an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Wiki sources. When writing, ensure the phrase clearly introduces the intended action and consider alternative phrases such as "to begin" or "initially" for variety. Avoid overuse in complex sentences to maintain clarity. With a high source quality score of 81 and an expert rating of 4.5, "to start" remains a reliable choice for indicating the beginning of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to begin

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing "start" with "begin".

to commence

This alternative is a more formal synonym, suitable for professional contexts.

in order to begin

This alternative is more wordy, but very similar in meaning, placing additional stress on the reason.

to initiate

This alternative suggests a more active and deliberate beginning.

to set in motion

This alternative emphasizes the act of starting something that will continue.

to get underway

This alternative is an idiomatic expression for beginning.

as a starting point

This alternative introduces a reason or a suggestion for starting something.

to kick off

This alternative is an informal expression for starting, often used in sports or events.

to embark on

This alternative suggests starting a journey or undertaking.

to launch

This alternative implies a more significant or impactful start.

FAQs

How to use "to start" in a sentence?

"To start" is used to indicate the beginning of an action or process. For example, "To start, gather all the necessary materials."

What can I say instead of "to start"?

You can use alternatives like "to begin", "to commence", or "initially" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "to start" or "starting"?

Both "to start" and "starting" can be correct, but they have different grammatical functions. "To start" is an infinitive phrase, while "starting" is a gerund or participle. The choice depends on the sentence structure.

What's the difference between "to start" and "in order to start"?

"To start" is a simple way to introduce an action. "In order to start" adds emphasis on the purpose or intention behind the action, indicating that the following steps are necessary for something to begin.