head start

USAGE SUMMARY

"head start" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate a gain in time, knowledge, and other resources that can be beneficial to achieving a goal. For example: "The business owner had a head start over her competition because she already had a network of potential customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yes, expand Head Start.

The New York Times

I got my head start at Head Start".

The New York Times

We need to improve Head Start.

The New York Times

To describe Head Start teachers' perceptions of mealtime, feeding, and overweight risk in Head Start students.

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

Where do head start attendees end up?

Stanford University

There was no Head Start for kids.

The Washington Post

Head Start.

HuffPost

It's called Head Start.

The New York Times

Or take Head Start.

The New York Times

"Getting a head start.

The New Yorker

Or Head Start teachers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a competitive situation, use "head start" to emphasize the advantage gained by starting earlier or with better resources.

Common error

Avoid assuming a "head start" guarantees ultimate success. It provides an initial advantage, but consistent effort and adaptation are still crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "head start" functions primarily as a noun, often used as the object of a verb (e.g., "get a head start") or as part of a prepositional phrase (e.g., "with a head start"). It identifies an advantage gained by beginning something before others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "head start" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an initial advantage, as affirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly used in news and media, science, and business contexts, it effectively conveys the idea of an early lead or favorable beginning. Remember that while a "head start" provides an advantage, sustained effort is crucial for long-term success. When writing, consider alternatives such as "early advantage" or "jump start" to add variety. Overall, understanding the scope and appropriate usage of "head start" can significantly improve the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

early advantage

Emphasizes the benefit gained from being ahead of others from the beginning.

initial lead

Highlights the position of being in front at the start.

jump start

Implies a quick and energetic beginning, providing an edge.

leg up

Suggests an advantage or boost that helps someone succeed.

early lead

A very common alternative, which focuses on being in a leading position early on.

good start

Focuses on the positive nature of the beginning without specifying the competitive aspect.

headway

Implies progress being made earlier than others, giving one a benefit.

a flying start

An idiomatic expression indicating an exceptionally good beginning.

advantageous beginning

Formal way to express the idea of getting benefits from the outset of a project or activity.

favorable start

Focuses on the positive and propitious aspect of the initial phase.

FAQs

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

You can use "head start" to describe an advantage one has over others, such as, "His experience gave him a "head start" in the competition".

What is another way to say "head start"?

Alternatives to "head start" include "early advantage", "initial lead", or "jump start". Choose the best fit based on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone 'had a head start'?

Yes, it is correct. "Had a "head start"" is the past tense form, indicating that someone possessed an advantage at a certain point in the past.

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

While both imply an early advantage, ""head start"" generally refers to an earlier beginning, whereas ""jump start"" suggests a quick or energetic initiation.