jumping-off point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "jumping-off point" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to describe the starting point of a journey or activity. For example, "This meeting is meant to serve as a jumping-off point for our new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

In many ways, Akon was this movement's jumping-off point.

The New York Times - Arts

That was a very nice jumping-off point for me.

The New York Times

"This is a jumping-off point," he said.

The New York Times

"We give you templates, but they're a jumping-off point.

The New York Times - Tech

The past, however, is just a jumping-off point.

Harvard Business Review

What I look for is a jumping-off point.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The information here serves only as a jumping off point.

The New York Times - Sports

But, for now, Wudinna remains a quiet jumping off point for expeditions into the Gawler wilderness.

Independent

This is the jumping off point of our new bivariate survival function estimator.

Journal of Statistical Distributions and Applications

Anglade used an open source Keras implementation from GitHub as a jumping off point.

TechCrunch

Mid-life is often a jumping off point for people in advertising.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jumping-off point" to clearly indicate the beginning or initiation of a project, discussion, or activity. It provides a sense of direction and purpose from the outset.

Common error

Avoid using "jumping-off point" in overly casual conversations. While the phrase is acceptable, it can sound slightly formal in very informal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "start" or "beginning" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jumping-off point" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies the initial stage or starting point of an activity, project, or discussion. As Ludwig indicates, it's a common expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jumping-off point" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the beginning or initiation of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it accurately describes the starting phase of a journey, project, or discussion. Its usage spans across various contexts including news, science, and academia, as evidenced by the numerous examples. While it's versatile, it's best to avoid using it in extremely informal situations where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Remember, while options like "starting point" offer similar meanings, "jumping-off point" uniquely suggests an active and dynamic start. Therefore, choose this phrase when you want to convey a sense of momentum right from the beginning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting point

Focuses on the commencement aspect, highlighting the initiation of a process or journey.

launchpad

Emphasizes the idea of propelling or initiating something significant.

springboard

Implies a catalyst or impetus for progress or development.

basis

Highlights the foundational aspect, referring to something that serves as a base for further development.

foundation

Stresses the underlying structure or principle upon which something is built.

point of departure

Formally denotes the start of a journey or discussion.

cornerstone

Highlights the essential or fundamental nature of the beginning.

catalyst

Emphasizes the role of initiating a change or reaction.

incipience

Stresses the very beginning stage of something.

genesis

Refers to the origin or mode of formation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "jumping-off point" in a sentence?

You can use "jumping-off point" to describe the beginning of a project or discussion. For example, "This meeting will serve as a "jumping-off point" for our marketing campaign".

What are some synonyms for "jumping-off point"?

Alternatives to "jumping-off point" include "starting point", "launchpad", and "springboard".

Is "jumping-off point" formal or informal?

"Jumping-off point" is generally considered suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. However, in very informal settings, simpler terms might be preferable.

What is the difference between "jumping-off point" and "starting point"?

While similar, "jumping-off point" often implies a more active or dynamic beginning, suggesting momentum or initiative. "Starting point" is a more neutral and general term.