a good start

USAGE SUMMARY

'a good start' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an outcome or action that you or someone else has begun. For example: "I'm so glad I finally finished my college applications - it's a good start!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Not a good start".

The New Yorker

It's a good start.

The New York Times

A good start.

The New York Times

That is a good start.

The New York Times

Kings is a good start.

The New York Times

But it's a good start.

The New York Times

It's not a good start".

The New York Times - Sports

A good start over all.

The New York Times

Ed's made a good start".

Independent

It was a good start.

The New York Times

History is a good start.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good start" to positively introduce an initial action or outcome, setting a hopeful tone for subsequent developments. For example, "The project is off to a good start, with the initial phase completed ahead of schedule."

Common error

While "a good start" is useful, avoid using it repetitively within a single text. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a promising beginning" or "a positive kickoff" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good start" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes the initial phase of an activity or process, emphasizing its positive quality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good start" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to describe the positive initiation of an event or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Analysis reveals its prevalence in news and media, business, and other sources. While alternatives exist, such as "a promising beginning" or "a positive kickoff", the phrase remains a straightforward and effective way to convey optimism and encouragement. Remember to avoid overuse and consider the specific context when choosing your wording.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a promising beginning

Replaces "good start" with "promising beginning" to emphasize the potential for future success.

a positive kickoff

Substitutes "start" with "kickoff" to suggest an energetic and favorable commencement.

a favorable outset

Replaces "good start" with "favorable outset", providing a more formal alternative.

an auspicious start

Uses "auspicious" instead of "good" to indicate a start that is likely to lead to success.

a solid foundation

Focuses on the idea of creating a strong base for future development, differing slightly in nuance.

a decent beginning

Swaps "good" for "decent", softening the tone while maintaining a similar meaning.

a flying start

Implies a very quick and successful beginning, adding a sense of speed and effectiveness.

a head start

Suggests an advantage from the beginning, shifting the focus to early progress.

a fair start

Emphasizes the impartiality and justice of the beginning.

a fresh start

Implies a new beginning, often after difficulties, which slightly changes the focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good start" to describe the beginning of a project, day, or any other endeavor that has commenced positively. For example, "Getting organized is always "a good start" when tackling a new task."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a promising beginning", "a positive kickoff", or "an auspicious start", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a good start"?

While generally appropriate, consider the tone of your writing. In more formal contexts, you might prefer "a favorable outset". In contrast, "a flying start" might be suitable for less formal, energetic descriptions.

What does it mean when someone says something is "a good start"?

It generally means that an initial action or event has been successful or positive, creating optimism for future progress. However, it also often implies that more effort or work is still needed to achieve the ultimate goal.