begin well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin well" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to starting something in a positive or effective manner, such as a project, speech, or event. Example: "To ensure the success of the meeting, it's important to begin well by setting clear objectives and engaging the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Things begin well enough.

The New York Times - Books

The meeting didn't begin well.

The New Yorker

It did not begin well.

Independent

Tao doesn't begin well.

The Guardian - Travel

The evening doesn't begin well.

The Guardian - Music

"The mission does not begin well.

Independent

Sunday did not begin well for Federer.

The New Yorker

The new relationship did not begin well.

The New York Times

The collaboration did not begin well.

The New York Times

It does not, however, begin well.

The New York Times - Travel

It did not begin well for Bank of America.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about initiatives or projects, use "begin well" to set a positive tone and highlight effective initial actions. For example, "To ensure project success, we must "begin well" with thorough planning and resource allocation."

Common error

While "begin well" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more sophisticated synonyms like "commence favorably" or "initiate effectively" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin well" functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the manner in which something commences. Ludwig examples show it describing both favorable and unfavorable beginnings. It is used to depict the initial stages of events, projects, or relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begin well" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe the initial phase of an event, project, or relationship. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While its register is generally neutral, more formal synonyms may be preferred in highly academic or professional settings. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability, advising writers to use it to set a positive tone. Related phrases include "get off to a good start" and "start on the right foot". Understanding its function, purpose, and context will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start on the right foot

Indicates a correct and favorable approach from the very beginning, setting a positive tone.

get off to a good start

Highlights the positive nature of the initial phase of an activity or project.

make a promising start

Focuses on the potential and positive indications at the beginning of something.

kick off successfully

Emphasizes a successful launch or commencement of an event or project.

get underway smoothly

Implies a hassle-free and well-organized start, emphasizing ease and efficiency.

start auspiciously

Emphasizes a promising or favorable start, focusing on positive omens or conditions.

commence favorably

Stresses the positive or advantageous manner in which something begins.

have a flying start

Suggests a very quick and successful beginning, implying immediate momentum.

open positively

Highlights a hopeful or upbeat start, often used in the context of events or performances.

initiate effectively

Focuses on the efficient and productive beginning of a process or action.

FAQs

How can I use "begin well" in a sentence?

"Begin well" typically refers to starting something in a positive or effective way. For example, "The meeting needs to "get off to a good start" to ensure everyone is engaged."

What are some alternatives to saying "begin well"?

Alternatives include "start auspiciously", "get off to a good start", or "start on the right foot" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "begin well" or "start well"?

Both "begin well" and "start well" are correct and generally interchangeable. "Begin" might sound slightly more formal, but the choice depends on the tone you want to convey.

Can "begin well" be used in negative contexts?

While "begin well" generally implies a positive start, you can use its negative forms like "did not begin well" or "doesn't begin well" to describe a negative or unsuccessful start.