a considerable start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a considerable start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a significant or substantial beginning has been made in a particular context or endeavor. Example: "With the funding secured, we have made a considerable start on the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Wallace made a considerable start, though.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Practitioners of value investing thus have a considerable head start over academics.

Columbia University

Having leapfrogged these preprocessing steps, the remaining analysis proceeds electronically with a considerable head start.

Stanford University

While Twitch has a considerable head start, YouTube has the resources to compete.

The Guardian - Tech

training having given him a considerable head start — and graduated in 1948.

The New Yorker

But Netflix has a terrific reputation among its customers and a considerable head start.

The Economist

Getting a considerable head start by setting off from the coastal town of Mattinata further south, we followed the route for several kilometres, slowing inching towards the monastery.

Independent

First introduced in 2010, the Galaxy S was one of the first Android devices to become a runaway success, despite companies like HTC and Motorola having a considerable head start.

TechCrunch

Both companies, as well as Automattic, have of course a considerable head start when it comes to hosted micro-site content management services, so time will tell if Drupal Gardens can break the mold.

TechCrunch

Police failure to discover the crime was giving the fleeing killers a considerable head start.

Los Angeles Times

As to the particulars of his financial assent from a considerable head start (his family owns a national pillow-manufacturing business), a February 2014 Seattle Times article reveals Hanauer as an entrepreneurial businessman with a progressive social conscience and a renegade venture capitalist's understanding of economics.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a considerable start" to emphasize that the beginning of an endeavor is notable in size, scope, or impact. This highlights that the groundwork laid is substantial and sets the stage for significant progress.

Common error

Avoid using "a considerable start" if the beginning is merely average or unremarkable. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a considerable start" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a verb. It describes the beginning of something as being significant or substantial. Ludwig's analysis shows that this phrase implies that the initial phase is noteworthy.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a considerable start" denotes a significant beginning, emphasizing that the initial phase of an endeavor is substantial and sets the stage for notable progress. While the frequency is rare, as indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general informative content. Alternative phrases like "a significant beginning" or "a substantial commencement" can be used for variety. However, it's important to ensure the context warrants the emphasis implied by "a considerable start".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an appreciable head start

Synonymous and interchangeable with "a considerable head start".

a significant beginning

Emphasizes the importance of the initial phase.

a substantial commencement

Highlights the magnitude and formality of the starting point.

a promising kickoff

Suggests a hopeful and positive start with potential for future success.

a noteworthy launch

Focuses on the act of initiating something significant.

a solid foundation

Implies that the initial work provides a strong basis for future development.

a considerable advantage

Shifts the focus to the benefit gained from an early lead or favorable position.

a running start

Suggests momentum and speed from the outset.

a flying start

Similar to 'a running start' but implies even greater speed and energy.

a valuable initial investment

Highlights the worth and potential return of the initial effort or resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "a considerable start" to describe the beginning of a project, venture, or process, highlighting its significant or substantial nature. For example, "The project received funding, giving it "a considerable start"."

What is a phrase similar to "a considerable start"?

Similar phrases include "a significant beginning", "a substantial commencement", or "a promising kickoff". These alternatives emphasize the importance or potential of the initial phase.

Is it better to say "a considerable start" or "a considerable head start"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A considerable start" emphasizes the magnitude of the beginning itself, while "a considerable head start" implies an advantage over others from the outset. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a considerable start" in professional writing?

It is appropriate to use "a considerable start" in professional writing when you want to emphasize that an initiative, project, or endeavor has begun with significant resources, planning, or momentum. This conveys a sense of seriousness and potential for success.