a good starting point

USAGE SUMMARY

"a good starting point" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a certain situation is the starting point for further development or progress. For example, "Reorganizing our filing system was a good starting point for streamlining our workflow process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just a good starting point".

The New York Times - Sports

North Korea is a good starting point.

The New York Times

TANGIER seemed a good starting point.

The New York Times - Travel

It's a good starting point.

The Guardian - Music

Mum's kitchen is a good starting point.

The Economist

It's a good starting point, thinks Featherstone.

The Guardian

The sashimi is a good starting point.

The New York Times - Arts

Their website is a good starting point.

The Guardian - Music

The simple regression above is a good starting point.

Columbia University

Using general search engines will be a good starting point.

Columbia University

The results provide a good starting point for rigorous simulation.

Chemical Engineering Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "a good starting point" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "a solid foundation" or "a promising outset" to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "a good starting point" without specifying what it is a starting point for. Ensure clarity by explicitly stating the goal or purpose that the starting point serves.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good starting point" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something as an initial stage or basis for further development. Ludwig AI confirms the correct and usable nature of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good starting point" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase widely used to introduce an initial step or foundation for further development. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, scientific, and academic sources, it serves to guide and direct action. To maximize impact, ensure clarity by specifying the subsequent steps and avoiding overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid foundation

This alternative emphasizes the strength and reliability of the initial basis.

a sound basis

This alternative underscores the reliability and well-reasoned nature of the foundation.

a reasonable beginning

This alternative focuses on the appropriateness and rationality of the initial stage.

a promising outset

This alternative conveys optimism about the future based on the initial start.

an excellent kickoff

This alternative uses a more informal term, "kickoff", to describe a promising start.

a decent head start

This alternative highlights the advantage gained from the initial beginning.

a helpful introduction

This alternative emphasizes the supportive nature of the initial step.

a suitable entry point

This alternative suggests a convenient and appropriate way to begin.

a practical launchpad

This alternative conveys that the starting point is immediately ready for the subsequent steps.

a stepping stone

This alternative uses a metaphor to express the idea of an initial action that facilitates progress.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a good starting point" in a sentence?

Use "a good starting point" to introduce an initial step or idea before elaborating on subsequent actions or developments. For example, "Understanding the basics of coding is "a good starting point" for building complex software applications."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a good starting point"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "a solid foundation", "a promising outset", or "a reasonable beginning" as alternatives to "a good starting point".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a good starting point to start"?

While not grammatically incorrect, saying "a good starting point to start" is redundant. It's better to simply use ""a good starting point"" and then clarify what action or process is being initiated.

What's the difference between "a good starting point" and "a good place to start"?

"A good starting point" implies an initial step that leads to further development, while "a good place to start" suggests a location or position from which to begin. The nuance lies in whether you're emphasizing the action or the location of the beginning.