off to a bad start

USAGE SUMMARY

"off to a bad start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something has started badly or has not been off to the desired start. For example: "Our vacation got off to a bad start because of an unpredictable storm that caused our flight to be canceled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Things got off to a bad start.

The New Yorker

They got off to a bad start.

The Guardian - Books

He got off to a bad start.

The Guardian

SunCal had gotten off to a bad start.

The New York Times

The morning has gotten off to a bad start.

The New York Times

The country got off to a bad start.

The Economist

We had gotten off to a bad start.

The New Yorker

Her life gets off to a bad start.

The New York Times - Books

"It got off to a bad start," he said.

The New York Times

The evening got off to a bad start.

The Guardian - Books

THINGS got off to a bad start at Masala Bollywood.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off to a bad start" to describe situations where initial conditions or actions were unfavorable, creating challenges for subsequent progress. It is effective in summarizing the initial phase of a project, relationship, or event.

Common error

Avoid using "off to a bad start" without clearly identifying the reasons for the poor initial performance. Provide context to explain what specifically went wrong at the beginning to give the phrase more weight and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off to a bad start" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe how an event or activity began. It indicates the manner or condition of the initial stage. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "off to a bad start" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an unfavorable beginning. According to Ludwig, it's correct and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly used in news and media, this phrase serves to highlight initial problems or setbacks. Alternative phrases like "started on the wrong foot" or "began poorly" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. When using the phrase, provide context about the reasons for the poor start to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Started on the wrong foot

An idiomatic alternative that emphasizes relationship dynamics and interpersonal missteps at the onset.

Got off on the wrong track

Emphasizes misdirection and deviation from the correct or intended course from the beginning.

Kicked off badly

A slightly more informal alternative using the verb "kick off" to describe the start of something.

Began under a cloud

Suggests the start was overshadowed by negativity or problems.

Began poorly

Focuses on the quality of the beginning action itself rather than the broader implications.

Initiated poorly

Similar to "began poorly" but emphasizes the act of initiation or starting something.

Commenced unfavorably

A formal alternative highlighting the undesirable nature of the commencement.

Opened disadvantageously

Focuses on the unfavorable conditions or circumstances at the start.

Launched unpromisingly

Highlights the lack of initial signs of success or positive outcome.

Had an inauspicious beginning

More formal and emphasizes a sense of ill omen or unfavorable circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "off to a bad start" in a sentence?

You can use "off to a bad start" to describe situations where something began poorly. For example, "The project got off to a bad start due to unforeseen technical issues."

What are some alternatives to saying "off to a bad start"?

Alternatives include phrases like "started on the wrong foot", "began poorly", or "had an inauspicious beginning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "off to a bad start"?

Yes, "off to a bad start" is grammatically correct and a common idiom in English.

What's the difference between "off to a bad start" and "off to a slow start"?

"Off to a bad start" indicates that something began with problems or setbacks, while "off to a slow start" simply means that progress was initially slow but not necessarily problematic.