a promising start

USAGE SUMMARY

"a promising start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a new beginning, usually one that has a positive outlook. For example, "We had a promising start to the project, and it looks like we'll have a successful outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A promising start.

The Economist

Hardly a promising start.

Independent

That's a promising start.

Stanford University

Thunderbolt was a promising start.

The New York Times - Travel

IT WAS not a promising start.

The Economist

It's off to a promising start.

The New York Times

He is off to a promising start.

The New York Times - Sports

All this was a promising start.

The New York Times

"Aria" is a promising start.

The New York Times - Arts

It was a promising start.

The New York Times - Sports

True, it's a promising start.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a promising start" to introduce an initial phase or stage that shows potential for future success or improvement. For example, "The company's new marketing campaign got off to a promising start, generating significant interest in the first week."

Common error

Avoid using "a promising start" to describe situations where initial success is fleeting or not sustained. Ensure that the positive outlook is genuinely supported by further developments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a promising start" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the quality of an initial phase or beginning, indicating potential for success. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a promising start" is a commonly used phrase that effectively describes a positive beginning or initial phase with potential for future success. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. This phrase functions as a noun phrase and serves to communicate optimism and encouragement. It is appropriate for neutral contexts such as news and media, academia, and science. When using the phrase, avoid overstating initial success and ensure there is concrete evidence supporting the positive outlook. Alternatives include "auspicious beginning", "bright start", and "strong opening".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bright start

Highlights the positive and hopeful nature of the beginning.

a strong opening

Highlights the power and effectiveness of the beginning.

an auspicious beginning

Emphasizes the favorable or lucky nature of the beginning.

a positive onset

Focuses on the affirmative and optimistic nature of the commencement.

a favorable kickoff

Suggests a positive and advantageous commencement, often in a more informal setting.

a successful launch

Focuses on the accomplishment of initiating something effectively.

a flying start

Indicates a very quick and successful beginning.

an encouraging initiation

Implies that the beginning is heartening and suggests future success.

a propitious launch

Highlights the favorable circumstances and potential for success from the very beginning.

a good head start

Focuses on gaining an initial advantage.

FAQs

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

You can use "a promising start" to describe a situation where the beginning is positive and shows potential for future success. For example, "The new project had a promising start, with the team quickly achieving its initial milestones."

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

You can use alternatives like "auspicious beginning", "bright start", or "strong opening" depending on the context.

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

While generally positive, it's best to use "a promising start" when there is concrete evidence or indicators that support the potential for continued success. Avoid using it if the situation is uncertain or the initial success is unsustainable.

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

It means that the initial phase or beginning of something is showing positive signs, indicating potential for future achievement or success. It suggests that things are off to a good start and there's reason to be optimistic about what's to come.