The train starts vs leaves

[ostap77]

" The train to D.C. leaves every hour"

OR

"The train to D.C. starts every hour"

Which one is more common?

" The train left 5 minutes ago."

OR

"The train went 5 minutes ago."

 

[bhaisahab]

" The train to D.C. leaves every hour"

OR

"The train to D.C. starts every hour"

Which one is more common?

" The train left 5 minutes ago."

OR

"The train went 5 minutes ago."

"The train left 5 minutes ago."
"The train went 5 minutes ago." Both of these would be common in BrE.

"The train to D.C. leaves every hour" I would say this.
"The train to D.C. starts every hour" I suppose you might say this if the train started from that station (it hadn't arrived from somewhere else).

 

[ostap77]

"The train left 5 minutes ago."
"The train went 5 minutes ago." Both of these would be common in BrE.

"The train to D.C. leaves every hour" I would say this.
"The train to D.C. starts every hour" I suppose you might say this if the train started from that station (it hadn't arrived from somewhere else).

So "The train to D.C. starts every hour" would sound a bit unnaturally?

 

[SoothingDave]

Yes, very unnatural. Especially since, unless you are at the end of the line, the trains do not "start" at the station where you are. The trains arrive and depart.

 

[ostap77]

Yes, very unnatural. Especially since, unless you are at the end of the line, the trains do not "start" at the station where you are. The trains arrive and depart.

Thanks!