a damaging start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a damaging start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an initial phase or event that has negative consequences or effects. Example: "The project faced a damaging start due to unforeseen technical issues that delayed progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Alec, warned by his father that he would fall in love with Dot, was able to retain his composure when she rejected him, and walked away from a damaging start to an affair.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Romney has vowed to declare China a currency manipulator on his first day in office and draw up punitive tariffs, a move Republican leaders say would start a damaging trade war.

The New York Times

"This started a damaging cycle for our clothing business," he said.

The Guardian - Business

Will their differences over Oracle and Sun mark the start of a damaging new schism?Maybe.

The Economist

"We hope the fall in giving shown in our survey is a temporary decline and not the start of a damaging trend.

The Guardian - Money

This strategy will not work if your opponent doesn't start off the battle with a damaging move.

WikiHow

Grief is such a damaging thing.

The Guardian

This is a damaging prejudice.

The Guardian - Books

The wider picture remains a damaging one.

The Guardian - Sport

Britain has a damaging history of denial.

The Guardian - Opinion

This has created a damaging credibility problem".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a damaging start", ensure the context clearly outlines the negative consequences or potential harm that stems from the initial situation. Be specific about the type of damage caused.

Common error

Avoid using "a damaging start" when the initial issues are minor or easily rectified. Reserve the phrase for situations where the negative impact is significant and long-lasting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a damaging start" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It typically describes an initial phase or event that has negative repercussions. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples of similar usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a damaging start" is a grammatically sound and understandable English phrase employed to describe an initial stage marred by negative impacts or problems. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts. To use this phrase effectively, ensure the context makes clear what specific damages are occurring, being careful not to overstate the impact for minor issues. Alternatives like "a detrimental beginning" or "a rocky start" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis depending on the specific nuance you're trying to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detrimental beginning

Replaces "damaging" with "detrimental", emphasizing the harmful aspect of the beginning.

an unfortunate start

Replaces "damaging" with "unfortunate", softening the negative impact while still indicating an undesirable beginning.

a difficult opening

Simple substitution with "difficult opening", focusing on the challenging nature of the start.

a rocky start

Employs a common idiom to describe a beginning filled with difficulties and challenges.

a disadvantageous launch

Replaces "damaging" with "disadvantageous", highlighting the unfavorable position created at the beginning.

a shaky foundation

Metaphorically describes the start as having an unstable or unreliable base.

an inauspicious commencement

Uses more formal vocabulary like "inauspicious" and "commencement", suggesting a bad omen or unfavorable circumstances.

a problematic inception

Employs "problematic" and "inception" for a more analytical or technical tone, focusing on the issues from the very beginning.

a harmful kickoff

Substitutes "start" with "kickoff", providing a more informal and action-oriented feel while retaining the negative impact.

an unlucky break

Uses a more idiomatic expression to describe an initial setback or piece of bad luck.

FAQs

How can "a damaging start" affect a project?

A "a damaging start" can lead to delays, budget overruns, decreased morale, and ultimately, project failure. Addressing the root causes early is crucial.

What are some synonyms for "a damaging start"?

Alternatives include "a detrimental beginning", "a rocky start", or "an unfortunate start", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a damaging start" formal or informal?

The phrase "a damaging start" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may exist depending on the specific situation.

Can you provide an example of how to use "a damaging start" in a sentence?

The company's reputation suffered "a damaging start" after the product recall was announced.