a troubled start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a troubled start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that began with difficulties or challenges. Example: "The project faced a troubled start due to unforeseen technical issues that delayed the timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The PSX had a troubled start.

The New York Times

A landmark Oscar Niemeyer building, the Edifício Copan, had a troubled start.

The New York Times

The stock got off to a troubled start, after Nasdaq delayed the opening of trading and botched orders.

The New York Times

One player who is, Barrie McKay, has had a troubled start to the season, which to be fair Warburton could not have legislated for.

The Guardian - Sport

Eight of those regions were originally slated to get the Xbox One on its initial release, demonstrating that Microsoft's console has had something of a troubled start.

The Guardian - Tech

The financial struggles of the clothing retailer Gap continued in the second quarter, and it said today that its third quarter was off to a troubled start.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

And as I write, Clijsters completes a suddenly-very-straightforward victory, after a fairly troubled start, and it's time for Murray to tie his shoelaces and introduce himself to Dustin Brown.

The Guardian - Sport

Hulu: A Very Troubled Start.

TechCrunch

(Hers was a brilliant but troubled start; her conflict with the studio over the film's reëditing ended in court — and it was only the first of her great yet conflict-riddled productions).

The New Yorker

I feel sorry that he gets that because he doesn't deserve it but we basically understand that it's part of the rules". Wenger sees a parallel between Liverpool's troubled start and that which his Arsenal team endured this time last year and added that Benítez faced an energy‑sapping struggle to escape the spiral of decline.

The Guardian - Sport

"We are tiptoeing into it". After its troubled start as a publicly traded company, Facebook is under increasing pressure to grow revenue.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a troubled start", ensure the context clearly indicates what is experiencing the difficulties. Providing specific examples of the challenges faced can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a troubled start" without explaining the nature of the troubles. Vague references can leave the reader confused about the specific problems encountered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a troubled start" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the initial state of an event, project, or endeavor. As Ludwig AI explains, it's generally grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a troubled start" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe initial difficulties or problems. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts. Its frequency in news and media sources highlights its utility in reporting on events that faced initial adversity. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to provide specific details about the nature of the troubles to ensure clarity. While acceptable in both formal and informal settings, consider more elevated alternatives like "a difficult beginning" in highly formal contexts. Avoiding vagueness and providing context will enhance the impact and understanding of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult beginning

Emphasizes the hardship and challenges present at the outset.

a rocky beginning

Implies instability and potential problems from the start.

an inauspicious beginning

Suggests that the initial signs were not promising or favorable.

a problematic start

Highlights the presence of problems and issues from the outset.

a shaky start

Implies a lack of stability and confidence in the initial phase.

an unfortunate beginning

Highlights the negative and adverse nature of the initial period.

a challenging commencement

Focuses on the demanding and testing nature of the initial phase.

a rough start

Indicates a harsh and difficult initial experience.

an unsteady start

Implies a lack of firmness and stability at the beginning.

a bumpy start

Suggests that the initial phase was uneven and filled with obstacles.

FAQs

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

You can use "a troubled start" to describe any situation, project, or endeavor that began with difficulties. For example, "The company's new product launch had "a troubled start" due to supply chain issues".

What are some alternatives to "a troubled start"?

Some alternatives include "a difficult beginning", "a rocky start", or "an inauspicious beginning", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a troubled start" formal or informal?

"A troubled start" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain professional settings.

What does "a troubled start" imply?

"A troubled start" implies that the initial phase of something was marked by problems, difficulties, or challenges that hindered progress or success.