a startup

USAGE SUMMARY

"a startup" is a perfectly correct and usable term in written English.
You can use the term when referring to any kind of new business venture, particularly those that are tech- or innovation-based. For example: "We are a startup focused on developing products that will revolutionize the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm a startup guy.

The Guardian - Sport

But it's a startup.

The Guardian - Tech

It was a startup.

The New Yorker

Which might be predictable, for a startup.

The Economist

It was like a startup company.

The New York Times

Airbnb was once a startup too.

The Guardian - Travel

"This was a startup club from nothing.

The Guardian - Sport

Working for a startup is hard.

The Guardian

"A startup is an ultra-marathon.

The Guardian

Learn the skills, join a startup, maybe.

The Guardian

We are organised like a startup.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "a startup", be specific about its industry or focus to provide context. For example, instead of just saying "a startup", say "a tech startup" or "a biotech startup".

Common error

Avoid assuming that all startups are destined for success. While the term often carries positive connotations, remember that many startups face significant challenges and may not achieve their goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a startup" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific type of business. Ludwig examples show it used to describe companies, clubs, or even political movements in their early stages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a startup" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a new business venture, often one characterized by innovation and high growth potential. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, it carries a neutral to professional register. When using the term, ensure specificity by indicating the industry or focus of the startup. Be cautious against overgeneralizing the success of startups, as many face significant hurdles. Considering semantically related options such as "a new business" or "a fledgling company" can offer nuanced variations to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a new business

Focuses on the general aspect of a newly established commercial entity.

a fledgling company

Emphasizes the early and developing stage of a company.

an emerging enterprise

Highlights the process of a company coming into existence and prominence.

a venture

Broadly refers to a new project or business undertaking, often implying risk.

a nascent firm

Stresses the initial, just-beginning phase of a company's life.

an entrepreneurial endeavor

Highlights the entrepreneurial spirit and initiative behind the new company.

a newly launched business

Focuses on the recent establishment and commencement of operations.

an early stage company

Highlights the stage of development the company is in.

a bootstrap business

Indicates a business started with minimal capital and personal resources.

a small business

Focuses on the size and scale of the operation.

FAQs

How can I use "a startup" in a sentence?

You can use "a startup" to describe a new business venture, as in "She joined "a startup" focused on sustainable energy solutions".

What is a good alternative to saying "a startup"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a new business", "a fledgling company", or "an emerging enterprise".

Which is correct, "a startup" or "an startup"?

"A startup" is correct because 'startup' begins with a consonant sound. Use "a" before consonant sounds and "an" before vowel sounds.

What distinguishes "a startup" from a regular small business?

"A startup" typically implies a new business with high growth potential, often in technology or innovative sectors, whereas a small business can be any independently owned and operated business, regardless of its growth trajectory.