a fragile start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fragile start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an initial phase or beginning that is delicate or vulnerable, often in contexts such as projects, relationships, or situations. Example: "The new partnership had a fragile start, with both parties needing to build trust and understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was a fragile start to a life-changing friendship.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They seized the occasion by recovering from a fragile start and then bowling and fielding with a dynamism that shattered their opponents.

Independent

It was a fragile start; I remember going there to find a single crescent of stalls, the voices echoing in the big old hall, with stallholders far outnumbering customers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The freeze drying modifies the drug structure to obtain a brittle, fragile starting material for the subsequent homogenization step.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

Justice was reminded that the Yankees have an aging, fragile starting rotation and there is no guarantee that Roger Clemens, David Wells and Mike Mussina will be healthy and effective in October.

The New York Times - Sports

General Manager Steve Phillips gave Valentine 13 new players -- 14 if Gary Matthews Jr. makes the roster -- for what should be a potent offensive team with an experienced, if fragile, starting rotation.

The New York Times - Sports

In fact, the consumption tax probably needs eventually to go up to 20%—ie, to European levels if Japan is ever to have a hope of stabilising its finances.The trouble has always been a fragile, stop-start economy.

The Economist

George Steinbrenner has publicly and privately expressed his desire to add Johnson to the Yankees' fragile starting rotation -- Commissioner Bud Selig said on ESPN Radio on Monday that Steinbrenner was not guilty of tampering -- but the Yankees have a weak farm system and might not have enough young talent to satisfy Arizona.

The New York Times - Sports

The outcome could also either tighten Fighting Irish Coach Brian Kelly's hold on his job or leave him in a fragile position at the start of next season.

Los Angeles Times

It may start in a fragile way from calculus-based trust [34], where participants dryly judge whether participation is promising or not, to the level of relational trust (ibid)., where repeated interactions have provided more clarity about mutual expectations and reliability, thereby setting the stage for exploring a more long-term future instead of being preoccupied with daily matters only.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

It is telling us that a great night out is a fragile thing, but one that starts inside.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fragile start", ensure that subsequent actions or conditions address the fragility. Show how the initial weakness is overcome or managed for a stronger outcome. For example, follow with details on how the start was nurtured or stabilized.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the long-term consequences of "a fragile start". While the beginning may be weak, do not imply inevitable failure without supporting evidence. Focus on the potential for growth and resilience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fragile start" functions as a noun phrase that describes the nature of a beginning. It modifies the noun "start" with the adjective "fragile", indicating a state of vulnerability or delicacy. Ludwig provides examples that confirm this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fragile start" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to depict a vulnerable or delicate beginning. Ludwig indicates it’s utilized across diverse fields like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While the phrase isn’t extremely common, the AI confirms its proper use, conveying a sense of caution and the need for careful management. When writing, consider how the initial fragility is addressed or overcome to create a more impactful narrative. Alternatives such as "a precarious beginning" or "a shaky commencement" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precarious beginning

Emphasizes the instability and potential for collapse of the start.

a shaky commencement

Focuses on the lack of firmness and potential for failure at the start.

a vulnerable launch

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or damage at the beginning.

a delicate inception

Stresses the need for careful handling due to the sensitivity of the initial phase.

a tentative kickoff

Indicates a hesitant or uncertain beginning, lacking confidence.

an unsteady outset

Emphasizes the lack of stability and potential for imbalance from the beginning.

a brittle initiation

Highlights the ease with which the beginning could be broken or damaged.

a risky dawn

Focuses on the inherent dangers and uncertainties at the beginning of something.

a hazardous embarkation

Emphasizes the potential for danger and difficulty from the start of a journey or endeavor.

a sensitive genesis

Stresses the need for careful management due to the susceptibility to influence or damage at the beginning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fragile start" to describe the delicate or vulnerable beginning of a project, relationship, or any other endeavor. For example, "The peace process had "a fragile start", requiring careful negotiation and compromise."

What are some alternatives to "a fragile start"?

Some alternatives to "a fragile start" include "a precarious beginning", "a shaky commencement", or "a vulnerable launch". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "a fragile start"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "a fragile start". The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is commonly used in various contexts.

What does it mean when something has "a fragile start"?

When something has "a fragile start", it means its initial phase is delicate, unstable, or easily disrupted. It suggests that careful attention and support are needed to ensure its success.