off to a bumpy start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "off to a bumpy start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or project that has encountered difficulties or challenges right from the beginning. Example: "The new software rollout was off to a bumpy start, with several technical issues reported by users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

But the union got off to a bumpy start.

The Economist

AFGHANISTAN'S first traditional council in decades got off to a bumpy start this week.

The Economist

Truth be told, we got off to a bumpy start during two recent visits.

The New York Times

After getting off to a bumpy start, administration officials have said the program is gaining momentum.

The Washington Post

SAN FRANCISCO — Lyft's debut on the stock market is off to a bumpy start.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr. Fernandez-Versini's evening had gotten off to a bumpy start.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

What is more surprising, to some observers, is that Bush's campaign got off to such a bumpy start.

The New Yorker

It got off to a rough start.

The New York Times - Arts

It got off to a rocky start.

The New York Times

Western Power got off to a rocky start.

The New York Times

It is off to a rough start.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "off to a bumpy start", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is experiencing the difficult beginning. For example: "The project was off to a bumpy start due to unexpected technical challenges."

Common error

Avoid using "off to a bumpy start" for situations that are merely inconvenient or slightly delayed. The phrase implies more significant initial difficulties than a minor hiccup.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off to a bumpy start" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI confirms that it describes that something began with difficulties or problems. It acts as a descriptor, typically modifying a noun or clause indicating the subject experiencing the troubled beginning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sports

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "off to a bumpy start" is a common idiom used to describe situations or projects that encounter difficulties early on. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and finds frequent use in news, media, and sports contexts. While generally neutral in register, alternatives such as "encountered early problems" may be preferred in highly formal settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is experiencing the difficult beginning and remember that the term implies more significant initial difficulties than a minor hiccup.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started on the wrong foot

Emphasizes an initial mistake or misstep that negatively impacts subsequent progress.

had a rocky beginning

Highlights the presence of obstacles and instability at the outset.

faced initial setbacks

Focuses specifically on experiencing early disadvantages or impediments.

got off to a difficult beginning

A more literal and less idiomatic way of expressing a challenging start.

encountered early problems

Emphasizes the appearance of issues or difficulties in the initial stages.

endured a troublesome inception

Highlights the enduring and bothersome quality of the initial phase, using more formal language.

had an inauspicious launch

Focuses on the unfavorable or unlucky nature of the initial launch or introduction.

commenced with complications

Highlights the presence of intricate and challenging elements from the very beginning.

started with challenges

A straightforward way of stating that the beginning involved obstacles.

was plagued by early issues

Emphasizes the persistent and troublesome nature of the problems that occurred early on.

FAQs

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

Use "off to a bumpy start" to describe a situation, project, or initiative that experiences difficulties or challenges from its beginning. For instance, "The new product launch was "off to a bumpy start" due to supply chain issues."

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

You can use alternatives like "started on the wrong foot", "had a rocky beginning", or "faced initial setbacks" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "off to a bumpy start" in formal writing?

While generally suitable for most contexts, "off to a bumpy start" is somewhat idiomatic. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "encountered early problems" or "faced initial challenges" for a more sophisticated tone.

What does it mean when something is "off to a bumpy start"?

When something is ""off to a bumpy start"", it means that it has begun with problems, difficulties, or setbacks. It suggests that the initial phase is not going smoothly.