made a flying start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made a flying start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has begun a task or project with great enthusiasm or speed. Example: "The team made a flying start to the project, completing the initial phases ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

She made a flying start by taking on Fifa, with indictments against nine officials.

The Guardian - Opinion

Leeds had already made a flying start on their first challenge - to produce a framework for the way ahead.

The Guardian

Anderson made a flying start but, in the second set, was troubled by a leg injury with Karimov taking advantage.

The Guardian - Sport

He scored 12 for his new side in the second part of the season and he has now made a flying start in the Premier League.

The Guardian - Sport

For the first time all tournament it was hot and sunny, the conditions Nadal loves best, and it was the Spaniard who made a flying start.

The Guardian - Sport

Henman lost the first four games against German Nicolas Kiefer in the fourth round but made a flying start against Hrbaty.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The omens are good: if Big Eck's record as a club manager is any guide, he will make a flying start in the job before eventually going downhill.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite making a flying start to their reply, they were bowled out for 157 to suffer a 68-run defeat.

BBC

After a poor start scuppered his Australian GP chances, he'll be determined to make a flying start on Sunday.

BBC

Dan Biggar says Ospreys must keep their feet on the ground after making a flying start to the Pro12 season.

BBC

He has scored 29 goals already this season and is clearly in brilliant form, so Friday would be a great chance for him to make a flying start to his England career with a goal on his debut.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made a flying start" to describe scenarios where the initial progress is notably rapid and successful. It is especially fitting when discussing sports, business ventures, or project initiations.

Common error

Avoid using "made a flying start" in overly formal or academic writing where more precise or nuanced language may be expected. Consider alternatives like "commenced promisingly" or "initiated effectively" for formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made a flying start" functions as an idiomatic expression describing the successful commencement of an activity or project. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "made a flying start" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a quick and successful beginning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's particularly prevalent in news and sports reporting, conveying initial momentum and promise. While suitable for neutral to informal contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or scientific writing. Consider using synonyms like "got off to a great start" or "began auspiciously" depending on your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got off to a flying start

Replaces "made" with "got off to", emphasizing the commencement of the action.

started off strong

Uses a more generic description of "strong" instead of "flying", indicating initial success.

began auspiciously

Employs a more formal term, "auspiciously", to denote a promising start.

had a head start

Focuses on the advantage gained at the beginning rather than the manner of starting.

kicked off successfully

Replaces "flying start" with a more general term "successfully", maintaining the core meaning of a positive beginning.

initiated with vigor

Highlights the energetic nature of the commencement.

commenced promisingly

Uses a more formal verb "commenced" and adjective "promisingly" to convey a positive start.

launched effectively

Emphasizes the successful launch or initiation of an endeavor.

jumped out to an early lead

Focuses on gaining an advantage in a competitive context.

established an early advantage

Highlights the creation of a favorable position at the start.

FAQs

How can I use "made a flying start" in a sentence?

You can use "made a flying start" to describe the beginning of a project, game, or any activity where there's a quick and successful commencement. For example, "The team "made a flying start" to the project, completing the initial tasks ahead of schedule".

What's a good alternative to "made a flying start"?

Alternatives include "got off to a great start", "started off strong", or "began auspiciously", depending on the level of formality required.

Is it appropriate to use "made a flying start" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "made a flying start" is generally more suitable for informal or journalistic contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "commenced successfully" or "initiated effectively".

What does it mean when someone "made a flying start"?

It means they began something with great speed and success, demonstrating immediate positive momentum. It suggests an energetic and promising commencement.