off to a volatile start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "off to a volatile start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that begins with instability or unpredictability, often in contexts like finance, sports, or projects. Example: "The stock market was off to a volatile start this morning, with prices fluctuating wildly within the first hour of trading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

2016 getting off to a volatile start.

Independent

The relationship got off to a volatile start, Lange says.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But market players cautioned it was too early to predict any sustained gains after a volatile start to the year.

The Guardian - Business

At the moment, the major indexes are slightly above their Dec. 31 levels after a volatile start to the year.

The New York Times

Both B&M and Poundland appear somewhat dependent on seasonal business picking up after a volatile start to the current quarter.

The Guardian - Business

They are off to a good start.

The New York Times - Sports

It's off to a promising start.

The New York Times

It got off to a rough start.

The New York Times - Arts

It got off to a rocky start.

The New York Times

It is off to a rough start.

The New York Times

Registration got off to a slow start.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "off to a volatile start", ensure the context clearly establishes what is beginning in a volatile manner. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "volatile start" is always negative. Volatility simply means rapid and unpredictable change, which can sometimes create opportunities alongside risks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off to a volatile start" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or clause to indicate the manner in which something begins. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "off to a volatile start" accurately describes an event or situation that begins with instability and unpredictability. Ludwig AI examples are mainly from news and business contexts, deeming it grammatically correct for both neutral and professional use. Although not very frequent, it effectively conveys a sense of initial turbulence, making it a valuable addition to descriptive vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning with instability

Focuses on the unstable nature of the start.

beginning on an unstable note

Suggests initial instability.

starting in a turbulent manner

Emphasizes the chaotic nature of the commencement.

getting underway turbulently

Highlights the chaotic and unsettled nature of the start.

commencing with uncertainty

Highlights the lack of predictability from the outset.

launching erratically

Focuses on the irregular and unpredictable nature of the launch or beginning.

initiating with disruption

Suggests a disturbance or interruption at the beginning.

kicking off chaotically

Implies a disorganized and disordered beginning.

opening with fluctuations

Specifically points to variations and changes right from the start.

unfolding with instability

Highlights that the process or event reveals itself in an unstable manner from the beginning.

FAQs

What does "off to a volatile start" mean?

It means that something has begun in an unstable or unpredictable way, with rapid and significant changes occurring early on.

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

You might say, "The stock market was "off to a volatile start" this morning" or "The project was "off to a volatile start" due to unexpected technical challenges."

What are some alternatives to "off to a volatile start"?

You can use alternatives such as "beginning with instability", "starting in a turbulent manner", or "commencing with uncertainty".

Is "off to a volatile start" a formal or informal expression?

It is suitable for both neutral and professional contexts, commonly found in news and business reporting, but can be adapted to less formal conversation as well.