a splendid start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a splendid start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a positive beginning to an event, project, or experience. Example: "The team celebrated a splendid start to the new project, with everyone contributing their best ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He has made a splendid start.

Independent

T'jara is off to a splendid start.

The New York Times

Today's first round was a splendid start.

The New York Times - Sports

For a splendid start to a meal, order shrimp toast, four triangles of crispy goodness.

The New York Times

Constitutional rule should be King Abdullah's goal, but continuing his father's civilised, intelligent conduct would be a splendid start.

The Economist

Even the Queen played a role, joining Daniel Craig for a James Bond spoof in the opening ceremony, which got things off to a splendid start.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Splendid start for Prior on the ground where he made a ton on debut five years ago and a good chance for me to plug Stephan Shemilt's splendid feature on the England stumper.

BBC

Pelfrey's otherwise splendid start was marred by three balks, caused by what he alternately called "the yips" and "a mental block".

The New York Times - Sports

But the mood of those who gave Sir Anthony this splendid start was not managed skilfully enough to ensure continuous support through the vicissitudes which followed.

The Guardian

While the focus of attention has understandably been on the role being played by Romelu Lukaku in Everton's splendid start to the season, the influence of Gareth Barry should not be underestimated, according to Roberto Martínez.

The Guardian - Sport

Pienaar's boot again failed to control the wobbling ball near the half-hour before Ian Humphreys, who had a splendid game from start to finish, threw a dummy a baby should have seen coming and eased his way round a flat-footed defence to score.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a splendid start", ensure that the subsequent developments align with the initial promise. Avoid using it if the positive beginning is not sustained.

Common error

While "a splendid start" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very casual or informal conversations where simpler phrases like "a great start" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a splendid start" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence to describe a beginning. Ludwig's examples show it characterizing events, projects, or careers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a splendid start" is a grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase used to describe an impressive and positive beginning. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Sports. While leaning towards a neutral to formal register, it effectively conveys approval and optimism. When writing, remember to use it when the beginning is genuinely noteworthy and impressive, and be mindful of the context to ensure appropriateness. Consider alternatives like "a great start" or "an excellent commencement" for different levels of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wonderful beginning

Replaces "splendid" with "wonderful" and "start" with "beginning", offering a slight variation in tone.

an excellent commencement

Substitutes "splendid" with "excellent" and "start" with "commencement", suggesting a more formal tone.

a remarkable kickoff

Replaces "splendid" with "remarkable" and "start" with "kickoff", adding a more informal and energetic feel.

a fantastic launch

Uses "fantastic" in place of "splendid" and "launch" instead of "start", conveying enthusiasm and success.

an auspicious opening

Replaces "splendid" with "auspicious" and "start" with "opening", emphasizing a promising and favorable beginning.

a promising initiation

Substitutes "splendid" with "promising" and "start" with "initiation", focusing on the potential for future success.

a successful inception

Replaces "splendid" with "successful" and "start" with "inception", highlighting the achievement of getting something off the ground effectively.

an impressive takeoff

Uses "impressive" instead of "splendid" and "takeoff" in place of "start", suggesting a quick and noteworthy beginning.

a notable commencement

Substitutes "splendid" with "notable" and "start" with "commencement", emphasizing the significance of the beginning.

a propitious start

Replaces "splendid" with "propitious", indicating a start favored by good conditions or luck.

FAQs

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

You can use "a splendid start" to describe the positive beginning of something. For example, "The project got "a splendid start" thanks to the team's dedication."

What are some alternatives to "a splendid start"?

Some alternatives include "a great start", "a fantastic beginning", or "an excellent commencement", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "splendid" too formal for everyday conversation?

While "splendid" can be perceived as slightly formal, it is still acceptable in many everyday conversations, especially when you want to add emphasis or a touch of elegance. However, in very casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "great" or "good" might be more fitting.

What's the difference between "a splendid start" and "a good start"?

While both phrases indicate a positive beginning, ""a splendid start"" suggests a more impressive and remarkable beginning compared to the more general "a good start".