a false start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a false start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an initial attempt that is unsuccessful or premature, often in contexts like sports, projects, or discussions. Example: "The project had a false start due to a lack of proper planning, but we were able to regroup and move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A false start.

The New York Times - Sports

Microsoft has already had a false start.

The Economist

It sounded like a false start.

The New York Times

Except it was a false start.

The Guardian

*** Looking for activists is a false start.

The Guardian

A false start is rare, but it does happen.

The New York Times - Sports

Although adroit, the pastiche was a false start.

The Guardian - Books

The start of modernity, but a false start".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And more boos when he made a false start.

The New York Times - Sports

After a false start in Paris, he went to London.

The New Yorker

Oakland also had a false start on that drive.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a false start", ensure the context clearly indicates what was started and why it was unsuccessful. For example, instead of just saying "the project had a false start", specify "the project had a false start due to inadequate funding."

Common error

Avoid using "a false start" to describe minor setbacks within an ongoing process. The phrase implies a more significant initial failure that requires a restart or major correction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a false start" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig shows its common use to describe an event, project, or process that begins incorrectly or prematurely, requiring a restart or significant correction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a false start" is a noun phrase denoting an unsuccessful or premature beginning that necessitates a restart. As Ludwig examples indicate, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, notably in news, sports, and business. The phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for both professional and informal communications. While perfectly acceptable, writers should be mindful of using alternatives like ""misguided beginning"" or ""abortive attempt"" to provide further clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abortive attempt

Highlights the failure to achieve the intended outcome.

a misguided beginning

Implies the start was based on flawed reasoning or information.

a failed launch

Emphasizes the aspect of initiation and subsequent failure, applicable to projects or endeavors.

an unsuccessful kickoff

Similar to "a false start", but with a stronger emphasis on initiating something.

a premature opening

Suggests the start was too early or not properly prepared.

a stumbling block at the beginning

Highlights an initial obstacle or hindrance that disrupts progress.

a shaky commencement

Suggests a beginning lacking stability or confidence.

an inauspicious start

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

a botched beginning

Implies the start was handled poorly or incompetently.

a non-starter

More emphatic, implying the venture had no real chance of success from the outset.

FAQs

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

You can use "a false start" to describe any endeavor that began unsuccessfully and had to be restarted. For example, "The negotiations had "a false start" due to miscommunication between the parties".

What are some alternatives to "a false start"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a "misguided beginning"", "an "abortive attempt"", or "an "unsuccessful kickoff"".

Is "false start" one word or two?

"False start" is typically used as two separate words, especially when used as a noun phrase. Using it as one word is not grammatically correct.

What does "a false start" mean in the context of a career?

In the context of a career, "a false start" refers to an initial career move or job that didn't align with your long-term goals or turned out to be unsuitable. It suggests that your career path began in a direction that you later needed to correct.