a substantial beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a substantial beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or meaningful start to a project, process, or endeavor. Example: "The team made a substantial beginning on the project, laying the groundwork for future success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Wolff, via the NEA site: "During the period of my first fellowship I completed a collection of short stories, In the Garden of the North American Martyrs, and during the second I made a substantial beginning on a memoir, This Boy's Life.

Vice

XINT represents a substantial beginning in medical interpretive software to assist in patient care.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a substantial offering, beginning with Beethoven's Violin Concerto (with the Canadian violinist James Ehnes, an artist of impeccable technique, out front) and concluding with Bruckner's Symphony No.

The New Yorker

The delay "gobsmacked" the film industry, according to Deadline.com, because Paramount had already implemented a substantial advertising campaign beginning with a Super Bowl commercial, because "warehouses full of" toys were waiting for the film's launch, and because it was one of only three Paramount-produced films scheduled for Summer 2012 (along with The Dictator and Katy Perry: Part of Me).

Wikipedia

Some who do buck the system do so during their struggling days, before they've found a substantial market to begin with.

The Guardian - Music

By 1986 they had acquired a substantial reputation and began touring here and abroad, adding mime and visual arts, creating experimental works and adaptations of literary and theatrical classics.

The New York Times

22 There is a substantial reduction in IOP beginning approximately 3 4 h after latanoprost exposure and the reduction is sustained for at least 24 h.

British Journal of Ophthalmology

After a substantial delay, the trial began in 2008 but was suspended in 2011 when he as diagnosed with cancer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With the death of his father in 1757, Jefferson received a substantial inheritance and then began to study under Rev. James Maury ([Au]: 4).

SEP

Early in Æthelred's reign, Theodore, the Archbishop of Canterbury, began a substantial reorganization of the church in Mercia.

Wikipedia

Iran is unlikely to begin a substantial rollback of its nuclear program until it gets sanctions relief in return.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial beginning" to convey that the initial phase of a project or endeavor is not only underway but also has a solid foundation and significant promise. This suggests it's more than just a nominal start.

Common error

Avoid using "a substantial beginning" when the initial phase is merely a formality or lacks real impact. Reserve it for situations where the start genuinely sets the stage for significant future developments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial beginning" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes the initial phase of an activity or project, characterized by significance or considerable progress. According to Ludwig, this phrase is deemed grammatically sound and fit for use in writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial beginning" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe a significant or promising start to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, striking a balance between formality and accessibility. While the phrase appears most frequently in news, media, and scientific sources, ensuring your initial phase genuinely merits the "substantial" label will maximize its impact. Consider alternatives like "a significant start" or "a promising launch" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant start

Focuses on the importance of the start, similar to the original phrase but using different adjectives.

a considerable commencement

Replaces 'substantial' with 'considerable' and 'beginning' with the more formal 'commencement'.

a notable inception

Uses 'notable' to emphasize the importance and 'inception' as a more formal synonym for beginning.

a promising launch

Emphasizes the potential for success inherent in the start.

a strong kick-off

More informal, emphasizing energy and force at the start.

a solid foundation

Shifts the focus to the idea of building a base for future success, rather than the start itself.

a remarkable head start

Emphasizes gaining an advantage at the beginning.

a major breakthrough

Highlights a significant achievement at the start of something.

an auspicious dawn

A more poetic and figurative way to describe a promising beginning.

a groundwork laid

Focuses on the preparations made before a beginning can occur.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a substantial beginning" in a sentence?

Use "a substantial beginning" to illustrate that an initial effort or phase of a project has meaningful progress or a solid base. For example, "The project got "a substantial beginning" thanks to the dedicated team."

What phrases can I use instead of "a substantial beginning"?

You might consider phrases like "a significant start", "a considerable commencement", or "a promising launch", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a substantial beginning" formal or informal?

The phrase "a substantial beginning" strikes a balance between formal and informal. It is suitable for professional and academic contexts, but not overly stilted for general use. You can employ it in "neutral communication" as well.

How does "a substantial beginning" differ from "a tentative beginning"?

"A substantial beginning" implies a strong, promising start, while "a tentative beginning" suggests a hesitant or uncertain commencement. They convey opposite levels of confidence and preparedness.