a great way to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great way to start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting an effective or beneficial method to begin an activity or process. Example: "Joining a book club is a great way to start your journey into reading more regularly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

This is a great way to start.

The New York Times

It's a great way to start".

The New York Times - Sports

But it's a great way to start.

The New York Times - Sports

Walking is a great way to start.

The Guardian

A great way to start the morning.

The New Yorker

"A great way to start the tournament," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a great way to start a meeting.

The New York Times

A great way to start off a play.

Princeton University

I think it's a great way to start your day.

University of California, Berkeley

It's not a great way to start the morning.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A Great Way To Start The Day Imgur via reddit.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great way to start" to introduce a simple and effective method for initiating a process or activity. It's suitable when offering encouragement or practical advice.

Common error

While versatile, "a great way to start" might sound too informal in highly professional or academic settings. Opt for alternatives like "an effective approach" or "a strategic method" to maintain a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great way to start" functions as a subject complement or adverbial phrase, typically used to introduce a suggestion or recommendation. It highlights a positive or effective method for beginning an activity or process, as illustrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

14%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great way to start" is a versatile and frequently used phrase for suggesting an effective beginning to an activity or process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, from news and media to academic and general advice. While the phrase is generally neutral, it can be too informal for highly formal situations. Alternatives like "an effective approach" or "a strategic method" might be more appropriate in such cases. With examples drawn from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it’s clear that "a great way to start" is a valuable tool for offering encouragement and practical guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an excellent starting point

Replaces "way" with "starting point" emphasizing the initial stage of a process.

an ideal way to begin

Substitutes "great" with "ideal" and "start" with "begin" for a slightly more formal tone.

a fantastic approach to commence

Uses "fantastic approach" instead of "great way", and "commence" instead of "start", suggesting a more structured beginning.

a superb method to initiate

Replaces "great way" with "superb method" and "start" with "initiate", adding a touch of sophistication.

a brilliant tactic for launching

Employs "brilliant tactic" for "great way" and "launching" for "start", indicating a strategic beginning.

a wonderful avenue for initiating

Substitutes "great way" with "wonderful avenue" and "start" with "initiating", offering a broader perspective.

a promising start

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the promising nature of the beginning.

a solid foundation to build upon

Shifts the focus from starting to establishing a strong base for future development.

an effective means to get going

Uses "effective means" instead of "great way" and "get going" instead of "start", offering a practical alternative.

a smart move to kick things off

Replaces "great way" with "smart move" and "start" with "kick things off", giving a more informal and dynamic feel.

FAQs

How can I use "a great way to start" in a sentence?

You can use "a great way to start" to introduce a beneficial method for beginning an activity. For example, "Walking is "a great way to start" your fitness journey."

What are some alternatives to "a great way to start"?

Alternatives include "an excellent starting point", "an ideal way to begin", or "a fantastic approach to commence" depending on the context.

Is "a great way to start" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a great way to start" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using phrases like "an effective method" or "a strategic approach" instead.

What's the difference between "a great way to start" and "a good way to start"?

"A great way to start" implies a higher level of effectiveness or benefit compared to "a good way to start". "Great" suggests excellence, while "good" simply indicates adequacy. The choice depends on the degree of positivity you want to convey.