it started so well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it started so well" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disappointment or contrast when something that began positively did not continue in the same manner. Example: "The project had a promising beginning, but it started so well and then quickly fell apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

LONDON — It started so well.

The New York Times - Arts

It started so well for the hosts.

Independent

The new regulator came in to being, and it started so well.

The Guardian - Opinion

It started so well and meditatively, with an excerpt from Geoff Dyer's forthcoming book "Otherwise Known as the Human Condition," on "reader's block," a sort of anxiety that afflicts only the person who reads for pleasure: "Reading has never felt like work in the way that writing has, and so, if I feel I should be working, I feel I should be writing.

The New Yorker

It started so well.

BBC

It started so well when Lafferty gathered, drove towards the box and fired an accurate low drive past Carson and just inside the post.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It starts so well.

Independent

It all started so well for Tottenham as it controlled the early exchanges and took the lead in the 10th minute.

Huffington Post

For Jonathan King, it all started so well.

Independent

It had started so well.

The Guardian - Opinion

It all started so well for Fontaine.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "it started so well" with specific details about the initial positive aspects to maximize the impact of the subsequent downturn.

Common error

Avoid using "it started so well" excessively in your writing. While effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it started so well" functions as an introductory clause or phrase, often setting the stage for a narrative or explanation of events that took an unexpected turn. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

30%

General Writing

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it started so well" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to introduce a situation where initial progress or conditions were positive, but later declined. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is valid and useful in written English. It's frequently found in news, sports reporting, and general writing contexts, often conveying a sense of irony or disappointment. When using this phrase, consider varying your language with synonyms like "it had a promising start" or "things started off on the right foot" to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had a promising start

Emphasizes the initial promise or potential of something.

at first, things looked promising

Adds a temporal element, emphasizing the initial positive outlook.

it began auspiciously

Replaces common words with more formal vocabulary; "began" for "started" and "auspiciously" for "so well".

things started off on the right foot

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey a positive start.

the beginning showed great potential

Highlights the untapped potential that was evident at the start.

the opening was promising

Shifts focus to the "opening" as the subject, highlighting its positive qualities.

it commenced favorably

Replaces common words with more formal vocabulary and focuses on the positive commencement.

the initial phase was successful

Uses more descriptive and objective language, suitable for formal contexts.

its inception was promising

Uses the noun "inception" to refer to the beginning, adding a touch of formality.

the launch was successful

Focuses specifically on the "launch" of something, emphasizing its initial success.

FAQs

How can I use "it started so well" in a sentence?

You can use "it started so well" to express disappointment when something that began positively took an unfortunate turn. For example, "The project started so well, but funding was cut short".

What are some alternatives to "it started so well"?

You can use alternatives like "it had a promising start", "things started off on the right foot", or "it began auspiciously".

Is "it started so well" formal or informal?

"It started so well" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic or professional writing.

What does "it started so well" imply?

"It started so well" implies that the initial stage of something was promising or successful, but subsequent events led to a less desirable outcome, creating a sense of disappointment or irony.