a very good start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very good start" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express approval or acknowledgement of something that has started off in a positive way. For example: "The student gave her presentation a very good start by providing an interesting introduction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Yesterday was a very good start.

The New York Times - Sports

This was a very good start".

The New York Times

A very good start indeed.

The Guardian - Travel

It is a very good start.

The Guardian

"I think it's a very good start," he added.

The New York Times - Science

"This program is off to a very good start.

The New York Times

These reforms would be a very good start.

The New York Times

Pondexter is at least a very good start.

The New York Times - Sports

"That was a very good start," he said.

The Guardian

"This is a very good start to the season".

The Guardian - Sport

It's a good start, Dick, a very good start.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very good start", consider adding specific details about what made the start successful. This provides context and reinforces the positive message.

Common error

While "a very good start" is a positive phrase, avoid using it excessively. Vary your language by using synonyms like "promising beginning" or "strong kickoff" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very good start" functions as a noun phrase that often serves as a subject complement or an adverbial modifier, describing the quality of an initial phase or beginning. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very good start" is a correct and usable phrase in English, typically employed to express approval or positive acknowledgement of an initial phase. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and sees frequent usage across various contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider context-appropriate synonyms like "promising beginning" or "successful launch". The phrase is considered neutral in register, suitable for news, business, and general conversation, as exemplified in the findings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a promising beginning

Emphasizes the potential for future success.

a strong kickoff

Implies energy and impact at the start.

a successful launch

Suggests a well-executed initial phase.

a flying start

Conveys a sense of speed and excellence from the outset.

an auspicious opening

Highlights the favorable or lucky nature of the beginning.

a favorable initiation

Focuses on the positive conditions at the start.

a head start

Highlights the advantage gained at the beginning.

a positive commencement

Emphasizes the optimistic nature of the starting point.

an encouraging inception

Implies that initial phase is boosting confidence for the rest.

a commendable start

Highlights the start is praiseworthy.

FAQs

How can I use "a very good start" in a sentence?

You can use "a very good start" to describe the positive beginning of something. For example, "The project is off to "a very good start", thanks to the team's hard work".

What are some alternatives to saying "a very good start"?

Alternatives include "promising beginning", "successful launch", or "strong kickoff" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a very good starting" instead of "a very good start"?

While "starting" can function as a noun, "start" is more common and natural in this phrase. "A very good start" is the idiomatic and preferred expression. Using "starting" might sound awkward.

What is the difference between "a good start" and "a very good start"?

The addition of "very" simply intensifies the positive connotation. "A very good start" emphasizes that the beginning was particularly successful or promising compared to just "a good start".