30 Other Ways to Say “Start Doing It”

“Looking for different ways to say “start doing it”? Here are some alternatives to help you express the idea more naturally and creatively in any conversation.“

We all find ourselves in situations where we need to suggest or tell someone to begin an action. While the phrase “start doing it” is commonly used, it’s not always the most interesting or expressive choice. Whether you’re guiding someone, making a request, or just trying to sound more varied, knowing alternative ways to say “start doing it” can add depth and flavor to your language. Let’s dive into some creative and effective alternatives that will help you sound more dynamic.

Next time you want to encourage someone or begin something, try using one of these alternative phrases to keep your communication fresh. Expressing the idea of “starting” in different ways is simple but effective for engaging conversations.

From motivating someone to offering helpful suggestions, these alternatives will give you a broader range of ways to say “start doing it.” Whether you’re speaking formally, casually, or giving instructions, you’ll find the right phrase for any situation. Let’s explore them!

1. “Begin”

Scenario:

You need someone to begin a task or action.
Example 1: “Go ahead and begin working on the project.”
Example 2: “It’s time to begin the presentation.”
Explanation:
“Begin” is a straightforward and neutral way to indicate that something should start. It works well in both formal and informal situations.

2. “Commence”

Scenario:

You’re giving a more formal instruction.
Example 1: “Please commence the meeting at your earliest convenience.”
Example 2: “We will commence the test in five minutes.”
Explanation:
“Commence” is a more formal word for starting something. It’s often used in professional or academic contexts.

3. “Get started”

Scenario:

Encouraging someone to begin a task.
Example 1: “Let’s get started with the first task.”
Example 2: “It’s time to get started on the project.”
Explanation:
“Get started” is a casual and motivating way to encourage someone to begin something without being too forceful.

4. “Kick off”

Scenario:

You want to mark the beginning of an event or project.
Example 1: “Let’s kick off the meeting with a quick introduction.”
Example 2: “The concert will kick off at 7 PM.”
Explanation:
“Kicking off” implies the beginning of something with excitement or energy. It’s great for events or team activities.

5. “Set in motion”

Scenario:

You’re planning to initiate something or put it into action.
Example 1: “We need to set the plan in motion immediately.”
Example 2: “Let’s set the process in motion and see how it goes.”
Explanation:
This phrase indicates starting something with the purpose of getting things moving forward.

6. “Initiate”

Scenario:

You want to start something with authority.
Example 1: “We should initiate the process right away.”
Example 2: “I’ll initiate the discussion once everyone is here.”
Explanation:
“Initiate” is a formal term often used in professional or technical contexts. It implies taking the first step in a process.

7. “Get going”

Scenario:

You’re encouraging someone to start an activity.
Example 1: “Let’s get going with the task at hand.”
Example 2: “It’s time to get going on the next project.”
Explanation:
“Get going” is a casual way to encourage someone to start. It’s commonly used in everyday conversations.

8. “Embark on”

Scenario:

Starting something important or significant.
Example 1: “She’s about to embark on a new adventure.”
Example 2: “We will embark on this journey as a team.”
Explanation:
“Embark on” is often used to indicate the start of something important or new, such as a journey or a significant project.

9. “Set off”

Scenario:

You’re starting a journey or a task.
Example 1: “We’ll set off early tomorrow for the trip.”
Example 2: “The project will set off with a team meeting.”
Explanation:
“Set off” is commonly used to refer to starting a journey or a major task. It adds a sense of movement and purpose.

10. “Take the first step”

Scenario:

Encouraging someone to make a start on something.
Example 1: “You need to take the first step in completing your assignment.”
Example 2: “I took the first step towards learning a new language.”
Explanation:
This phrase emphasizes the importance of starting a journey or process, especially when it seems daunting.

11. “Start off”

Scenario:

Beginning something in a particular way.
Example 1: “We should start off by discussing the agenda.”
Example 2: “I’ll start off with a brief overview of the topic.”
Explanation:
“Start off” can imply beginning something, often with a specific action or approach in mind.

12. “Launch”

Scenario:

Starting something with an element of excitement or planning.
Example 1: “They will launch the new app tomorrow.”
Example 2: “We plan to launch the campaign next week.”
Explanation:
“Launch” is often used to describe the start of something big or important, such as a product or initiative.

13. “Begin the process”

Scenario:

Starting an official or structured process.
Example 1: “We should begin the process of reviewing the documents.”
Example 2: “Let’s begin the process of hiring new team members.”
Explanation:
This phrase is used in formal or organizational settings when starting a process that requires a series of steps.

14. “Set about”

Scenario:

To start doing something with determination.
Example 1: “We need to set about organizing the event.”
Example 2: “She set about fixing the broken shelf right away.”
Explanation:
“Set about” is used when you want to emphasize starting a task with intention and focus.

15. “Begin with”

Scenario:

You want to start something by focusing on a specific point.
Example 1: “Let’s begin with the most important topic.”
Example 2: “We will begin with a quick review of last week’s meeting.”
Explanation:
“Begin with” directs the start of something by focusing on a particular task or subject first.

16. “Get the ball rolling”

Scenario:

You need to begin an activity and want to motivate others to join.
Example 1: “Let’s get the ball rolling with the first task of the meeting.”
Example 2: “We need to get the ball rolling on this project as soon as possible.”
Explanation:
This idiomatic expression is often used to encourage action or start a process. It’s commonly used in casual and workplace settings to convey a sense of urgency and movement.

17. “Fire up”

Scenario:

You want to get someone motivated to begin something.
Example 1: “Let’s fire up the engine and get started!”
Example 2: “We need to fire up our team and start planning.”
Explanation:
“Fire up” conveys a sense of enthusiasm and excitement. It’s a great expression when you want to energize people and get them started with vigor.

18. “Take the plunge”

Scenario:

Encouraging someone to start something they’ve been hesitant about.
Example 1: “It’s time to take the plunge and start the new project.”
Example 2: “I know it’s risky, but it’s time to take the plunge and start that business.”
Explanation:
“Take the plunge” suggests starting something bold or significant, especially when there’s hesitation involved. It encourages bravery and decision-making.

19. “Begin the journey”

Scenario:

You are marking the start of something that will take time and effort.
Example 1: “We begin the journey of improving our team’s performance today.”
Example 2: “Starting a new career path is always daunting, but let’s begin the journey!”
Explanation:
This phrase is perfect for starting something big, meaningful, and long-term, emphasizing a process or an adventure.

20. “Dive in”

Scenario:

You want to encourage someone to start immediately and with enthusiasm.
Example 1: “Let’s dive in and start the brainstorming session!”
Example 2: “It’s time to dive in and work on the report!”
Explanation:
“Dive in” is a dynamic phrase that conveys eagerness to start right away. It’s great for informal and energetic situations.

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21. “Jump into”

Scenario:

You want someone to quickly and confidently begin a task.
Example 1: “Let’s jump into the next phase of the project.”
Example 2: “It’s time to jump into the new strategy and make things happen.”
Explanation:
“Jump into” suggests immediate action and is often used when starting something with confidence and focus.

22. “Make a start”

Scenario:

You want to express the beginning of an effort.
Example 1: “Let’s make a start with the presentation preparation.”
Example 2: “We should make a start on this by collecting all necessary data.”
Explanation:
“Make a start” is simple but effective. It’s neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

23. “Launch into”

Scenario:

You’re starting something with enthusiasm or passion.
Example 1: “She launched into the discussion about her new project idea.”
Example 2: “We launched into the marketing campaign without wasting time.”
Explanation:
“Launch into” suggests starting with energy, often with a sense of eagerness and momentum. It’s great when diving into a topic or task with passion.

24. “Set to work”

Scenario:

You’re encouraging someone to start a task efficiently.
Example 1: “We set to work as soon as we received the instructions.”
Example 2: “Let’s set to work on this new design right away.”
Explanation:
“Set to work” implies that someone is beginning with focus and determination. It suggests getting down to business immediately.

25. “Activate”

Scenario:

You’re beginning a process or system.
Example 1: “Let’s activate the new software system to start the process.”
Example 2: “Once you activate the program, the process will begin.”
Explanation:
“Activate” is often used in a technical or operational context, implying the beginning of a process or system that requires action to get started.

26. “Get in motion”

Scenario:

You’re encouraging someone to start a task or project.
Example 1: “We need to get the project in motion as soon as possible.”
Example 2: “It’s time to get the plans in motion for the new initiative.”
Explanation:
“Get in motion” implies the beginning of movement or action, typically after a period of planning or preparation.

27. “Spring into action”

Scenario:

You want to inspire someone to begin something quickly and with enthusiasm.
Example 1: “Let’s spring into action and start resolving the issue.”
Example 2: “The team sprang into action once the project started.”
Explanation:
“Spring into action” conveys urgency and enthusiasm. It’s often used to describe a swift and energetic start.

28. “Take off”

Scenario:

You’re describing the beginning of something that will grow or develop.
Example 1: “The event will take off once the keynote speaker starts.”
Example 2: “The business is expected to take off once the marketing campaign kicks in.”
Explanation:
“Take off” is used when something starts and begins to grow or gain momentum, typically in a positive or successful direction.

29. “Start the ball rolling”

Scenario:

You want to begin an activity or process and get others involved.
Example 1: “I’ll start the ball rolling by introducing the team.”
Example 2: “Let’s start the ball rolling with a quick discussion about our goals.”
Explanation:
This expression is used to start something, especially when you want to involve others or get things moving. It’s perfect for collaborative settings.

30. “Break the ice”

Scenario:

You want to begin a conversation or activity in a relaxed and friendly way.
Example 1: “Let’s break the ice with a quick round of introductions.”
Example 2: “We’ll break the ice by starting with some team-building activities.”
Explanation:
“Break the ice” is often used to start a conversation or event, particularly in social settings, to make people feel more comfortable.

FAQs

1. Can I use “kick off” in formal situations?

While “kick off” is great for casual settings, it may be considered informal for professional contexts. Consider using “commence” or “initiate” for a more formal tone.

2. What’s the best way to start a meeting?

Phrases like “Let’s begin” or “Shall we get started?” work best for starting meetings in a polite and professional manner.

3. How do I motivate my team to get started on a task?

“Let’s get going” or “It’s time to fire up and get started!” are great motivational phrases to encourage your team to begin working with enthusiasm.

4. Is “set to work” a casual phrase?

“Set to work” is generally neutral, but it may lean slightly more formal, making it suitable for both professional and informal contexts.

5. How can I express urgency when starting something?

Phrases like “Let’s spring into action” or “Get the ball rolling” convey urgency and a need to start immediately.

Wrap-Up

Starting something may seem simple, but using the right phrase can set the tone for how you approach a task. Whether you’re encouraging someone, leading a team, or initiating a personal project, varying your expressions for “start doing it” can help you communicate more effectively.

Try incorporating some of these alternatives into your conversations to keep things dynamic and engaging. Remember, the way you begin something can make all the difference in how it’s received, so choose your words wisely!