a rocky start

USAGE SUMMARY

"a rocky start" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means a challenging, difficult, or problematic beginning to a new situation. For example, "John and Bob had a rocky start to their business partnership, but they've since worked out their differences and now run a successful company together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a rocky start.

The New Yorker

But it had a rocky start.

The Economist

It got off to a rocky start.

The New York Times

IT HAS certainly been a rocky start.

The Economist

Trierweiler's seduction attempt follows a rocky start.

The New York Times

Western Power got off to a rocky start.

The New York Times

"Drumming" got off to a rocky start.

The New York Times - Arts

It was quite a rocky start.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Kidwai got off to a rocky start.

The New York Times

Have we had a rocky start?

The New York Times

Duterte's campaign had a rocky start.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a rocky start", ensure the context clearly indicates what is experiencing the difficult beginning. For example, "The project had a rocky start due to unforeseen technical issues."

Common error

Avoid vague statements. Instead of saying "It had a rocky start", specify the reasons behind the difficulties to provide clarity and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rocky start" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, describing the initial phase of an event or process that is characterized by difficulties or problems. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rocky start" is a commonly used phrase that describes a difficult or problematic beginning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, conveying that something began with challenges and that adjustments may be necessary. Related phrases include "a difficult beginning" and "a shaky commencement", offering alternative ways to express a similar idea. When employing "a rocky start", it's important to clearly identify the subject experiencing the challenges and to avoid vague attributions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult beginning

Replaces "rocky" with a more general term for difficulty, reducing the intensity.

a shaky commencement

Substitutes "rocky" with "shaky" and "start" with the more formal "commencement", altering the tone.

an inauspicious opening

Replaces with a more formal and negative connotation.

a troubled launch

Focuses on the "launch" aspect, implying problems during the initial phase.

a bumpy introduction

Uses "bumpy" to convey a less severe sense of difficulty than "rocky".

an arduous kickoff

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in the initial phase.

a precarious dawn

Uses metaphorical language to describe a fragile and uncertain beginning.

a testing initiation

Highlights the challenging nature of the initial process or experience.

a floundering start

Focuses on the lack of success and difficulty in making progress at the beginning.

a stumbling start

Suggests initial errors and lack of coordination.

FAQs

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

You can use "a rocky start" to describe the difficult initial phase of a project, relationship, or any endeavor. For example, "The negotiations had "a rocky start" due to disagreements over key terms."

What is a similar phrase to "a rocky start"?

Similar phrases include "a difficult beginning", "a shaky commencement", or "an inauspicious opening". These alternatives can be used to convey a similar meaning while varying the tone and formality.

What are some common causes for something to have "a rocky start"?

Common causes include unforeseen challenges, lack of preparation, miscommunication, or external factors like economic downturns or political instability. Identifying these causes can help mitigate future problems.

Is it always negative when something has "a rocky start"?

While "a rocky start" typically indicates initial difficulties, it doesn't necessarily predict long-term failure. With perseverance and adjustments, many endeavors that begin with "a rocky start" can still achieve success.