a bumpy start

USAGE SUMMARY

"a bumpy start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that began in an unsteady or turbulent manner. For example: "We had a bumpy start to the project, but we eventually worked through our difficulties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The group had a bumpy start.

The Economist

First, the health exchanges have had a bumpy start.

The Economist

But the union got off to a bumpy start.

The Economist

The Dennis Erickson era has had a bumpy start.

The New York Times - Sports

The program had a bumpy start, city officials and donors said.

The New York Times

Dickey overcame a bumpy start to finish with a 3.28 earned run average.

The New York Times - Sports

AFGHANISTAN'S first traditional council in decades got off to a bumpy start this week.

The Economist

Truth be told, we got off to a bumpy start during two recent visits.

The New York Times

Plans for revenue-generating foreign-language Web sites have had a bumpy start.

The New York Times

After getting off to a bumpy start, administration officials have said the program is gaining momentum.

The Washington Post

The Seminoles weathered a bumpy start to sprint past the Catamounts in the second half.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bumpy start", ensure the context clearly indicates what is experiencing the difficulties. For example, specify "the project had a bumpy start" rather than just saying "it had a bumpy start".

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something had "a bumpy start", it will inevitably continue to be difficult. Emphasize efforts to overcome initial challenges to convey resilience and adaptability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bumpy start" functions as a noun phrase often used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the initial phase of something as being problematic or difficult, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bumpy start" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the initial phase of an endeavor characterized by difficulties or challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase acknowledges initial problems, it does not necessarily imply long-term failure, emphasizing the potential for improvement. When using "a bumpy start", it's important to clearly specify what is experiencing the difficulties to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a difficult beginning" or "a rocky kickoff" can be used to add slight variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult beginning

Focuses on the inherent challenges of the initial phase.

a troubled commencement

Emphasizes the presence of problems or difficulties from the outset; 'commencement' is more formal.

a rocky kickoff

Uses a more informal term 'kickoff' to suggest a problematic beginning, often in the context of projects or initiatives.

a shaky launch

Highlights the instability or uncertainty associated with the initial phase.

an inauspicious opening

Indicates a beginning that suggests future misfortune or lack of success.

a flawed inception

Focuses on inherent imperfections or weaknesses from the very beginning; 'inception' is more formal.

a problematic genesis

Highlights the presence of issues or difficulties right from the origin or creation.

an arduous embarkation

Emphasizes the difficult and strenuous nature of the initial undertaking; 'embarkation' is more formal.

an unpromising dawn

Suggests a beginning that lacks signs of future success or improvement, using a metaphorical expression.

a testing initiation

Highlights a beginning that involves trials or challenges that test one's abilities or resilience.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bumpy start" to describe the initial phase of a project, relationship, or any endeavor that faced challenges early on. For example: "The new business had "a bumpy start" due to unexpected regulatory hurdles."

What are some alternatives to "a bumpy start"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a difficult beginning", "a troubled commencement", or "a rocky kickoff", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "a bumpy start to" something?

Yes, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. For example: "The company had "a bumpy start to" the fiscal year."

What does "a bumpy start" imply about the future?

"A bumpy start" suggests initial difficulties but doesn't necessarily predict long-term failure. It implies that the situation may improve over time with adjustments and perseverance.