make a promising start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a promising start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initial phase of a project, endeavor, or activity that shows potential for success. Example: "With our new marketing strategy, we hope to make a promising start in increasing our customer base."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Hughes won the opening round, stealing a ball at the breakdown, a theft that disturbed Exeter's patterns and helped Wasps make a promising start.

The Guardian - Sport

It comes after his brilliant century at Headingley put England on the front foot for the first time in the series, and when he helped the young batsman James Taylor make a promising start in the problematic No6 position.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

They have made a promising start.

The Guardian - Sport

And it makes a promising start to the festival.

The Guardian - Film

Dougie Freedman made a promising start in management last season but is operating on a tight budget.

Independent

She made a promising start, seeking to repair relations with US allies fractured by the war.

Independent

Judging from Fleet Street's reaction to today's news, he has made a promising start.

The New Yorker

By the final whistle it was easy to forget that Northampton had made a promising start.

The Guardian - Sport

He had made a promising start at healing Apple, he believed, and the board had acted too hastily.

The New Yorker

The gallery's "Women in New Media" series makes a promising start with this show of digital work, organized by Jennifer Crowe.

The New York Times - Arts

But on such critical issues as respect for democratic principles, Mr. Putin has not made a promising start.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a promising start", ensure that subsequent actions or developments align with the initial promise. Avoid using it if there's no evidence to suggest continued success.

Common error

Avoid using "make a promising start" prematurely or based solely on superficial indicators. Ensure there's a tangible basis for the positive assessment, rather than relying on wishful thinking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a promising start" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the initiation of an activity or project with positive potential. It describes the nature of the beginning, emphasizing its favorable aspects. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a promising start" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that describes the positive initiation of an endeavor. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase conveys optimism and expectation. Alternatives such as "get off to a good start" provide similar meanings, while careful attention should be paid to avoid overstating initial success. The phrase serves as a valuable tool for expressing confidence in future outcomes based on present indications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get off to a good start

Emphasizes a positive beginning or initial stage.

begin auspiciously

Highlights a start that suggests future success or good fortune.

start well

A general term for a positive initiation

have a good kickoff

Implies an energetic and successful commencement.

make a positive beginning

Focuses on the favorable nature of the start.

show early potential

Highlights the initial display of capability.

launch successfully

Implies a smooth and effective initial introduction.

gain early momentum

Focuses on building initial speed and progress.

get off on the right foot

Suggests a start that avoids early mistakes and sets a good tone.

establish a solid foundation

Highlights the creation of a strong initial basis for future development.

FAQs

How can I use "make a promising start" in a sentence?

You can use "make a promising start" to describe an initial phase of something that shows potential for future success. For example, "The project "made a promising start", exceeding initial expectations."

What are some alternatives to "make a promising start"?

Alternatives include "get off to a good start", "begin auspiciously", or "start well", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "made a promising start" or should it be "had a promising start"?

"Made a promising start" is generally preferred and more common when describing a specific event or period. "Had a promising start" implies possession of a promising beginning, which is less direct.

What is the difference between "make a promising start" and "show promise"?

"Make a promising start" refers to the initial phase or beginning, while "show promise" indicates an inherent quality or potential that may or may not have been acted upon yet. One is about the act of starting, and the other one is about having the capability to grow.