a significant beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an important or meaningful start to an event, project, or process. Example: "The launch of the new initiative marked a significant beginning for our organization in addressing climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Although this reform is far from all I wished for, it is a significant beginning.

The New York Times

It is a significant beginning to which the most fitting reaction may simply be: Good enough.

The New York Times - Arts

But it does feel like a significant beginning.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Compared with control cells, GATA3-expressing cells formed smaller colonies in this 3D culture environment, an effect that was statistically significant beginning at day 5.

F1000Research

We asked for plans for a significant drawdown, beginning no later than July of this year.

Huffington Post

However, tertile analysis indicated that TGs were the best variable examined, and that it was a significant predictor beginning at values as low as 0.90 mmol/L.

Diabetes Care

The frequency of Ca2+ sparks showed a significant decline, beginning at 4 weeks (group B), and was sustained in groups C (8 weeks) and D (12 weeks; Figure  3b).

Cardiovascular Diabetology

But starting in the 1990s, a significant number began to earn much more, creating a two-tier income stratum within such occupations.

The New York Times

A significant cooldown begins today after a four-day heat wave that brought everything from lightning storms and flash floods to excessive heat warnings and record highs throughout the region.

Los Angeles Times

Thus the collections of the Museum of Paleontology had a significant but hectic beginning!

University of California, Berkeley

He suffered a significant personality change, beginning to have angry outbursts, became increasingly socially withdrawn and shunned physical contact.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant beginning" when you want to emphasize that the start of something is important and will likely have a notable impact. For added impact, consider pairing it with strong verbs or adverbs that amplify the sense of importance.

Common error

While "a significant beginning" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a good start" or "an important first step" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant beginning" functions as a noun phrase that often serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It denotes the starting point of something noteworthy or impactful. Ludwig AI examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant beginning" is a valid phrase that denotes an important or noteworthy start, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Though not overly common, it is grammatically sound and suitable for formal and neutral contexts like news, academic papers, and professional communications. To diversify your writing, consider using alternatives such as "an important start" or "a promising inception". Be mindful of overuse in informal settings to maintain a natural tone. The phrase is used to highlight the importance or potential of an initial stage, suggesting it carries substantial weight for future developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an important start

Replaces "significant" with "important", emphasizing the relevance of the start.

a noteworthy commencement

Substitutes both "significant" and "beginning" with synonyms indicating importance and initiation.

a crucial kickoff

Uses "crucial" to highlight the importance and "kickoff" as a more dynamic synonym for beginning.

a promising inception

Emphasizes the potential and positive outlook of the beginning.

a momentous launch

Highlights the grand and impactful nature of the start.

a remarkable dawn

Replaces "beginning" with a more poetic term, dawn, suggesting a new and notable start.

a substantial initiation

Uses "substantial" to emphasize the magnitude of the beginning, and initiation for beginning.

a ground-breaking launch

Highlights the innovative and transformative nature of the beginning.

a vital genesis

Emphasizes the life-giving and fundamental nature of the beginning.

a formative outset

Highlights the impact the start has on shaping the future.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant beginning" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant beginning" to describe the start of an event, project, or process that is important or meaningful. For example: "The new policy marks "a significant beginning" for environmental conservation efforts."

What are some alternatives to "a significant beginning"?

You can use alternatives like "an important start", "a noteworthy commencement", or "a promising inception" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a significant beginning" formal or informal?

The phrase "a significant beginning" leans towards formal and neutral usage. It's suitable for professional and academic writing, but might sound slightly out of place in very casual conversations.

What makes a beginning "significant"?

A beginning is "significant" when it indicates a notable change, a new direction, or an important development. It implies that the start is more than just a routine event; it has potential for substantial impact or progress.