for a good start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'for a good start' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you are introducing something or beginning something that will set you up for success or provide a strong foundation moving forward. For example, "We need to establish clear expectations and guidelines for our project team; for a good start, let's review our progress from the last time we met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Desperate for a good start, Reading got it.

Independent

Based on last season's standings, the Knicks appear set up for a good start.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was hoping for a good start ��� but not like that," Federer said.

The New York Times - Sports

For a good start, check out Ninni Korkalo's heartfelt social art project Hospitality Army.

The Guardian

For now. "I'm just hoping for a good start," the general manager added.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm just out there looking for a good start, whether it's against the Yankees or whoever it's against".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

At least knowing how much to aim for is a good start.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For example: a good start to life, protection from harm, education and quality of life.

Unicef

First, learn about what cladograms are; for a good starting point, see the American Museum of Natural History Web site at //www.ology.amnh.org/biodiversity/treeoflife/pages/cladogram.html).html

The New York Times

DALLAS - Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman, in an effort to illustrate why he is not optimistic about trading for a good starting pitcher at the winter meetings, provided insight into the kind of dialogue he is having with other general managers.

The New York Times

Furthermore, there are existing networks in place that make for a good starting point.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for a good start", make sure the context clearly indicates what constitutes a 'good' start. Be specific about the desired outcome or qualities of that beginning.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "for a good start" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "for a solid foundation" or "to ensure initial success" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a good start" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier. It introduces a reason, purpose, or condition for ensuring a positive beginning, aligning with Ludwig's assessment of its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a good start" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that emphasizes the importance of a positive commencement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s perfectly usable in written English. While generally versatile, consider the context and audience when using this phrase. In highly formal settings, you might opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "to ensure initial success" or "for a solid foundation". With numerous examples across news, business, and general writing, it’s clear that "for a good start" is a valuable addition to your writing toolkit, providing a way to highlight the significance of beginnings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for a promising beginning

Emphasizes the potential for future success from the beginning.

to begin successfully

A more straightforward way of expressing a positive commencement.

for an auspicious kickoff

Implies a fortunate or favorable start.

to ensure initial success

Highlights the intention to secure a positive outcome from the start.

to get off on the right foot

Idiomatic expression indicating a positive initial approach.

for a flying start

Suggests a fast and energetic beginning.

for a solid foundation

Focuses on establishing a strong base for future endeavors.

for a head start

Highlights gaining an advantage at the beginning.

for an effective launch

Focuses on the efficiency and impact of the initial phase.

for a favorable introduction

Emphasizes creating a positive first impression or entry.

FAQs

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

You can use "for a good start" to introduce an action or element that is intended to ensure a positive beginning, such as: "Let's review the project goals; "for a good start", we should define clear milestones".

What are some alternatives to "for a good start"?

Alternatives include phrases like "for a promising beginning", "to get off on the right foot", or "for a solid foundation", each emphasizing different aspects of a successful commencement.

Is it appropriate to use "for a good start" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In highly formal writing, alternatives like "to ensure initial success" or "for a solid foundation" might be more suitable to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "for a good start" and "for a head start"?

"For a good start" implies a generally positive beginning, while "for a head start" specifically means gaining an advantage or early lead. The former focuses on overall quality, the latter on competitive benefit.