with a start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with a start" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a sudden action or reaction, often in response to something surprising. For example: She opened the door, and with a start, she realized she had forgotten to put on her shoes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

It all began with a Start Menu.

Independent

Suddenly, the child woke with a start.

The Guardian

Bush awoke with a Start II.

The New York Times

"You got what?" Don asked with a start.

The New Yorker

The driver awakened with a start, grinning sheepishly.

The New Yorker

Several hours later I awoke with a start.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

It invites any Jordanian or Arab to come with a start-up plan.

The New York Times

I managed to land an interesting internship with a start-up called Speeb, an advertising platform.

The Economist

A conversation like this with a start-up like H.Bloom provides a fresh perspective.

The New York Times

Sometimes it isn't good to have all that money, especially with a start-up.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tristan Harris, 27, with a start-up called Apture, said he was a former Apple employee.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone waking up, consider using "awoke with a start" or "woke with a start" to convey the sudden and often disoriented nature of the experience.

Common error

Avoid using "with a start" to describe events that unfold slowly or gradually. This phrase is best suited for moments of sudden realization or abrupt change. For example, it would be incorrect to say "The business grew with a start" because growth is not sudden.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a start" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that the action occurs suddenly and often involuntarily, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "woke "with a start"" or "realized "with a start"".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with a start" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase to describe sudden actions or realizations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it typically conveys surprise or abruptness. It's frequently found in news and media sources, as well as scientific contexts, adding vividness to descriptions. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with a sudden event, rather than a gradual process, to avoid misuse. Alternatives such as "suddenly" or "abruptly" can be used to achieve a similar effect, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a jolt

Similar in structure, this phrase emphasizes the physical or emotional shock.

with a jump

Similar to the query but emphasizes the action of jumping.

suddenly

Replaces the prepositional phrase with a simple adverb, emphasizing the abruptness of the action.

abruptly

Similar to 'suddenly', this adverb focuses on the unexpected nature of the action.

all of a sudden

This phrase further emphasizes the unexpected and immediate nature of the event.

unexpectedly

Highlights the lack of anticipation surrounding the action.

out of nowhere

This phrase conveys a sense of surprise and lack of prior indication.

in a flash

Emphasizes the speed and immediacy of the action.

without warning

Focuses on the lack of any preceding indication or signal.

involuntarily

Highlights the lack of conscious control over the action.

FAQs

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

The phrase "with a start" is typically used to describe a sudden reaction or realization. For example, "She woke "with a start" when she heard the noise" or "He realized "with a start" that he had forgotten his keys".

What does "with a start" mean?

The phrase "with a start" implies a sudden and often involuntary movement or reaction, usually caused by surprise or alarm. It suggests an abrupt shift from one state to another, such as waking up suddenly or becoming aware of something unexpectedly.

Which is more appropriate, "woke with a start" or "awoke with a start"?

Both "woke "with a start"" and "awoke "with a start"" are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning, although "woke" is more commonly used in modern English. "Awoke" may sound more formal or literary.

What can I say instead of "woke with a start"?

Alternatives to "woke "with a start"" include "jolted awake", "awoke suddenly", "sat up abruptly", or "startled awake", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.