to start early

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to start early" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the benefits or necessity of beginning a task or activity ahead of schedule. Example: "To ensure we meet the deadline, it's important to start early on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Children need to start early.

The New York Times - Arts

Education needs to start early.

The Guardian

"You just have to start early".

The New York Times

Sleep deprivation seems to start early.

The New York Times

"You have to start early," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

Number one, you have to start early.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Work on them is scheduled to start early this year.

The Guardian

Production is due to start early next year.

The Guardian - Film

Filming is set to start early next year.

The Guardian - Film

Occupancy is expected to start early next year.

The New York Times

Construction there is to start early next year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone on project management or skill development, recommend "to start early" to emphasize the benefits of proactive planning and consistent effort.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "to start early" guarantees success without sustained effort and adaptability throughout the process. Early initiation is beneficial, but it requires consistent effort and adjustment as needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to start early" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as an adverbial to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to start early" is a versatile infinitive phrase that advises or emphasizes the advantages of beginning something ahead of schedule. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly used across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While "to start early" is generally beneficial, it's essential to combine early initiation with consistent effort and adaptability. Alternative phrases, such as "to begin ahead of time", offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to begin ahead of time

Emphasizes initiating something before the expected or usual time.

to commence sooner

Highlights an earlier start compared to a previously planned or expected time.

to initiate promptly

Stresses the importance of beginning without delay.

to get a head start

Focuses on gaining an advantage by beginning early.

to launch beforehand

Highlights starting something prior to a specific event or deadline.

to take the initiative early

Emphasizes proactively starting something sooner rather than later.

to make an early start

A more formal way of saying "to start early", focusing on the act of beginning.

to be an early starter

Describes someone or something that begins before others.

to jump the gun

Implies starting something prematurely, possibly before it's entirely appropriate.

to set off in advance

Focuses on departing or beginning a journey or process early.

FAQs

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

You can use "to start early" to emphasize the importance of beginning a task or process ahead of schedule. For example, "It's crucial "to start early" on your college applications to avoid last-minute stress."

What are some alternatives to "to start early"?

Alternatives include "to begin ahead of time", "to commence sooner", or "to initiate promptly". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always better "to start early"?

While "to start early" is generally advantageous, it's not always the best approach. Sometimes, waiting for more information or resources can lead to a more effective outcome. However, in many situations, such as financial planning or skill development, an early start is highly beneficial.

What's the difference between "to start early" and "to start immediately"?

"To start early" implies beginning something before a deadline or expected time, providing a buffer for potential issues. "To start immediately" emphasizes the urgency of beginning something without delay, often in response to a pressing need or situation.