a difficult start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenging beginning to a situation, project, or experience. Example: "Despite having a difficult start, the team managed to overcome the initial obstacles and achieve their goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a difficult start for us".

Independent

"It's been a difficult start for us".

Independent

"This season was a difficult start.

The Guardian - Sport

The film had a difficult start.

The New York Times - Arts

Cobb's preseason got off to a difficult start.

The New York Times - Sports

After a difficult start, it now seems set to grow.

The Economist

Sometimes, a difficult start improves as students get more comfortable.

The New York Times

After a difficult start, the European economies are picking up.

The Guardian - Business

But after a difficult start, Tata Motors is now India's second-biggest carmaker by sales.

The Economist

We had a difficult start with Marseilles pressing us well and we didn't find our fluency.

Independent

But after a difficult start the combination is starting to pay off in some areas.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a difficult start", provide specific details about the challenges encountered to give the reader a clearer understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult start" as a vague generalization. Always clarify what made the start difficult to maintain clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult start" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the initial phase of an event, project, or endeavor that is marked by challenges or problems. Examples in Ludwig show this phrase used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a difficult start" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a challenging beginning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples across diverse sources, predominantly in News & Media. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific context about the challenges faced. Alternatives like "a tough start" or "a challenging start" offer similar meanings, allowing for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tough start

Replaces "difficult" with "tough", suggesting a similar level of challenge.

a challenging start

Uses "challenging" instead of "difficult", emphasizing the demanding nature of the beginning.

a problematic start

Focuses on the presence of problems or issues from the beginning.

an unfavorable start

Indicates that the initial conditions or circumstances were not advantageous.

a rocky start

Emphasizes the instability and potential for problems in the initial phase.

a rough start

Uses "rough" to describe the unpleasant or challenging nature of the beginning.

an inauspicious beginning

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal expression, implying a bad omen or lack of promise.

a shaky start

Suggests a lack of confidence or stability at the beginning.

a demanding start

Highlights the high level of effort and resources required from the outset.

a trying start

Emphasizes the testing and stressful nature of the initial phase.

FAQs

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

You can use "a difficult start" to describe a challenging beginning to a project, relationship, or any endeavor. For example, "The company experienced "a difficult start" due to unforeseen market changes."

What are some alternatives to saying "a difficult start"?

You can use alternatives like "a tough start", "a challenging start", or "a rocky start" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a difficult starting" instead of "a difficult start"?

While "starting" can function as a gerund or participle, in this context, "start" as a noun is more appropriate. "A difficult start" is the idiomatic and grammatically standard expression.

What's the difference between "a difficult start" and "a difficult beginning"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. However, ""a difficult start"" is slightly more common and informal, while "a difficult beginning" might sound more formal and deliberate.