off to a slow start

USAGE SUMMARY

"off to a slow start" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the beginning of a task, process, or activity that is proceeding more slowly than expected. Example: Our project got off to a slow start due to a lack of funding, but we are now back on track.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Registration got off to a slow start.

The Economist

They got off to a slow start.

The New Yorker

Wisconsin is off to a slow start.

The New York Times

We got off to a slow start.

The Guardian - Sport

That plan got off to a slow start.

The New York Times - Sports

Westbrook, unlike his team, is off to a slow start.

The New York Times

The series got off to a slow start.

The New York Times

Her application got off to a slow start.

The New Yorker

But then, "Seinfeld" got off to a slow start, too.

The New York Times - Arts

The community's revival got off to a slow start.

The New York Times

But his political career got off to a slow start.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "off to a slow start", ensure the context clearly indicates what is beginning slowly. For example, specify "The project got off to a slow start" rather than just "It got off to a slow start."

Common error

Avoid using "off to a slow start" without a clear subject. For example, instead of saying "Things were off to a slow start", specify what 'things' refers to: "The negotiations were off to a slow start."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off to a slow start" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which something begins. It indicates that the initial phase of an activity or process is progressing more slowly than anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms the common usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "off to a slow start" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that begins with less speed or momentum than expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, clarity is key; ensure the subject is clearly defined when using the phrase. Alternatives like "began sluggishly" or "had a gradual beginning" can offer subtle variations in meaning. By understanding its usage and avoiding common pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began sluggishly

Indicates a slow and inactive beginning. It changes the structure to a verb and adverb.

had a gradual beginning

Highlights the gradual nature of the start, emphasizing a lack of immediate progress. "Gradual" directly replaces the idea of "slow".

started at a snail's pace

Uses a metaphor to describe the slow speed of the beginning. This alternative is more figurative.

experienced an unpromising start

Emphasizes the lack of positive signs at the beginning. It is a more formal and descriptive alternative.

commenced with difficulty

Focuses on the challenges faced at the beginning, indicating a troublesome start. This shifts the emphasis from speed to difficulty.

initiated with delay

Highlights the presence of a delay in the beginning. It is a more formal alternative.

launched with hesitation

Indicates a lack of confidence or certainty at the start. This changes the focus to the manner of starting.

faltered in its initial stages

Highlights the wavering or unsteady nature of the early phases. It emphasizes the lack of stability.

stumbled out of the gate

Uses a horse racing metaphor to describe a shaky start. This is a more idiomatic alternative.

got off on the wrong foot

Uses an idiom to convey a bad or unsuccessful start. This alternative is less focused on speed and more on overall success.

FAQs

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

You can use "off to a slow start" to describe anything that begins with less momentum than expected. For example, "The fundraising campaign got "off to a slow start" but gained traction later on."

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

"Off to a slow start" indicates a lack of speed or momentum, while "off to a bad start" suggests that something went wrong from the beginning, potentially leading to negative consequences.

What are some alternative phrases for "off to a slow start"?

Alternatives include phrases like "began sluggishly", "had a gradual beginning", or "started at a snail's pace", depending on the context.

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

Yes, ""off to a slow start"" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing, especially in contexts where you need to describe a process or project that isn't progressing as quickly as expected. However, more formal alternatives like "initiated with delay" may be preferred in highly formal documents.