it is a start

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is a start" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that the action which you are referring to is the beginning of a process, or the first in a series of steps. For example: "The two countries have agreed to open talks as a first step in the peace process - it is a start, but there is much work to be done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Its proposed peace plan will require tough Israeli negotiation, but it is a start.

Forbes

It is a start".

The New York Times

But it is a start.

The New York Times

But, she thinks, it is a start.

The Economist

But at least it is a start.

The Economist

Yet it is a start.

The New York Times

But we hope it is a start.

The Guardian

It is a start that Abu Anas has been captured.

The New Yorker

That's not enough, but it is a start.

The New York Times

Vaughn and the Mets are hoping it is a start.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

And they are clearly right: while it's an important start, that's all it is -- a start.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with contrastive conjunctions like "but" or "however" to acknowledge that while progress is being made, more work remains.

Common error

Do not use "it is a start" when an action or process has reached its final conclusion. Using it in this context creates a logical contradiction that confuses the reader about whether the project is beginning or ending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a start" functions as a declarative statement using a linking verb to equate a dummy subject or pronoun with a predicate nominative. According to Ludwig AI, it is primarily used as a transitional or summary comment in professional prose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is a start" is a highly effective tool for writers who need to acknowledge progress without overstating success. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in the most prestigious English-speaking publications. It is frequently employed in political commentary, business analysis, and social advocacy to describe first steps in long-term processes. Whether you are writing a news article or a business proposal, "it is a start" provides a balanced way to recognize that a process has finally been set in motion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a start

Applies a common contraction suitable for less formal or spoken contexts

it is a beginning

Uses a more literal noun to describe the inception of a process

it is a first step

Emphasizes the sequential nature of a larger journey or plan

it is an initial move

Suggests a strategic or calculated opening action

it represents progress

Shifts focus to the qualitative improvement rather than just the timeline

it serves as an opening

Functions as a description of the role the action plays

it is a point of departure

More formal and often used in academic or philosophical contexts

the process has begun

Uses a passive structure to describe the current state of affairs

it is a foundation

Implies that this start is the base upon which more will be built

it is a small victory

Adds a positive emotional connotation to the initial progress

FAQs

How do I use "it is a start" in a sentence?

You can use it to refer to a recent action, for example: "The new policy doesn't solve everything, but it is a start."

What can I say instead of "it is a start"?

You can use alternatives such as "it's a beginning", "it is a first step", or "it is an opening" depending on your desired level of formality.

Is "it is a start" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is a perfectly correct English sentence. It follows the subject-verb-complement structure where "it" is the subject, "is" is the linking verb, and "a start" is the noun phrase acting as the complement.

What is the difference between "it is a start" and "it is the start"?

Using "a start" suggests that this is one possible way to begin or an incremental piece of progress, whereas "it is the start" often refers to the specific, definitive beginning of a known event.