off to a solid start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "off to a solid start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has begun well or positively, often in the context of projects, events, or activities. Example: "After the first week of the project, we are off to a solid start and on track to meet our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The comeback was off to a solid start.

The New York Times

Technology and document outsourcing sales are "off to a solid start," she wrote.

The New York Times

Rory McIlroy's first appearance at the Northern Trust Open has got off to a solid start.

The Guardian - Sport

Thanks to Mr. Gatti, Carnegie Hall's season is off to a solid start.

The New York Times - Arts

On the first day of competition Thursday, the men got off to a solid start, winning one gold.

The New York Times - Sports

The Irish Repertory Theater's charmingly retrograde production of "The Streets of New York" is off to a solid start.

The New York Times

The Johnny Knoxville prankfest got off to a solid start, with £1.94m, including previews of £546,000.

The Guardian - Film

"We're off to a solid start in our fiscal year 2012," Michael Dell, chief executive of the company, said in a news release.

The New York Times - Tech

After all, 2010 ended on a positive note, from a return perspective, and this year is off to a solid start.

The New York Times

Given his seven-point lead over the next placed candidate, Ted Cruz, it seems Mr Trump will be off to a solid start.

Independent

San Francisco based WeGame, described as a "YouTube for gamers" seems to be off to a solid start since opening last month.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off to a solid start" to convey optimism and confidence about the initial stages of a project, venture, or activity. It suggests that the foundation is strong and progress is likely to continue positively.

Common error

Avoid using "off to a solid start" when the situation is uncertain or when there are clear indicators of potential future problems. It is best suited for situations where initial results are genuinely positive and sustainable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off to a solid start" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a positive or successful beginning. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it describes that an activity, project, or venture has begun well, setting a firm foundation for future success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "off to a solid start" is a commonly used idiomatic expression that conveys a positive and promising beginning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts, including news, sports, and business. Its versatility and clear meaning make it a valuable phrase for expressing optimism and confidence about initial progress. Related phrases include "starting off strong" and "making a promising beginning", offering alternative ways to express a similar sentiment. While the phrase is suitable for many contexts, it's important to ensure its usage aligns with a genuinely positive initial state to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting off strong

Emphasizes the strength and impact of the initial phase.

making a promising beginning

Highlights the potential and favorable outlook of the commencement.

getting off on the right foot

Focuses on the correctness and appropriateness of the initial actions.

having a successful kickoff

Specifically refers to the successful launch or initiation of something.

enjoying a favorable launch

Highlights the positive aspects and advantages of the initial start.

commencing auspiciously

Emphasizes the fortunate and promising nature of the beginning.

building a strong foundation

Focuses on the idea of constructing a reliable and robust initial stage.

establishing a firm footing

Indicates the creation of a stable and secure initial position.

initiating effectively

Highlights the efficient and productive nature of the start.

making headway early on

Emphasizes the progress and advancement achieved in the initial phase.

FAQs

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

You can use "off to a solid start" to describe anything that has begun well. For instance, "The new marketing campaign is "starting off strong", indicating a potentially successful year."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""starting off strong"", "making a promising beginning", or "getting off on the right foot".

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

Yes, "off to a solid start" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly in business or news contexts, as it clearly and concisely conveys a positive beginning. However, consider alternatives like "commencing auspiciously" for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "off to a solid start" and "off to a good start"?

"Off to a solid start" emphasizes the strength and reliability of the beginning, while "off to a good start" simply indicates a positive beginning. "Off to a solid start" suggests a more secure and sustainable foundation compared to just a "good start".