a late start

USAGE SUMMARY

"a late start" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something starts later than expected or planned. For example: - We got off to a late start on our road trip due to heavy traffic. - The team's late start on the project set them back by a few weeks. - Despite a late start, the team was able to catch up and win the game. - The party got off to a late start because the guests arrived late. - I had a late start this morning, which is why I'm rushing to get to work on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We got off to a late start.

The New York Times - Sports

Said Dr. Bielory: "It's a late start.

The New York Times

Despite a late start, Gandolfini had a considerable filmography.

The New Yorker

Women had a late start in the profession.

Independent

He has refused to complain about getting a late start.

The New York Times

The shuttle flight almost got off to a late start.

The New York Times

There had been a couple of anomalies: the opera crowd, a late start.

The New Yorker

Saturday Unsurprisingly, I got off to a late start on Saturday.

The New York Times

With such a late start, urgency seems to permeate the visit.

The New York Times

And although the Arabic blogosphere got off to a late start, it is now booming.

The Economist

The weather and corresponding traffic delays got the ceremony off to a late start.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a late start", clearly indicate what experienced the delay. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid vague statements. Instead of saying "We had "a late start"", specify the reason, like "We had "a late start" due to unforeseen technical issues."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a late start" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the beginning of an event or activity that occurred later than expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and acceptable usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a late start" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that begins later than expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and is frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "a delayed beginning" or "a tardy commencement" exist, "a late start" offers a straightforward and widely understood way to convey the concept of a delayed beginning. When using this phrase, ensure to clarify what experienced the delayed start to maintain clarity. The phrase's versatility and frequent appearance in authoritative sources underscore its reliability and appropriateness for diverse writing purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delayed beginning

Focuses on the postponement of the start, emphasizing the delay itself.

beginning behind schedule

Directly states that the start is later than planned.

a tardy commencement

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey the idea of a late start.

getting off to a slow start

Emphasizes the initial pace being slower than desired.

a deferred launch

Highlights the postponement of a planned launch or start.

an overdue kickoff

Implies that the start was expected earlier and is now past the due time.

starting behind the curve

Suggests that the start is not only late but also puts one at a disadvantage.

a belated initiation

Emphasizes the lateness of the introduction or start of something.

a protracted inception

Uses more formal language to indicate a drawn-out or delayed beginning.

encountering initial setbacks

Focuses on the obstacles causing the delayed start, rather than the start itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "a late start" to describe a situation where something begins later than expected. For example, "The project got "a late start" due to funding delays".

What's the difference between "a late start" and "a delayed start"?

While similar, ""a late start"" often implies a deviation from a scheduled time, whereas "a delayed start" more broadly indicates a postponement.

What can I say instead of "a late start"?

You can use alternatives like "a delayed beginning", "getting off to a slow start", or "beginning behind schedule" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "had a late start"?

Yes, it is correct. Saying someone or something "had "a late start"" means they began later than anticipated or planned.