rough start

USAGE SUMMARY

"rough start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a beginning that is difficult or unpleasant. For example: "After the accident, she had a rough start to the year, but she eventually bounced back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Rough start for Nova.

The New York Times

Nice recovery after a rough start.

The New York Times

It got off to a rough start.

The New York Times - Arts

It is off to a rough start.

The New York Times

Hefner's strong outing had a rough start.

The New York Times - Sports

"It indicates a rough start to life".

The Guardian

Catchings had a rough start in Knoxville.

The New York Times - Magazine

They made up for that rough start.

The New York Times

Craig's postseason got off to a rough start.

The New York Times - Sports

QB Russell Wilson, Wisconsin: Wilson had a rough start Tuesday.

The New York Times

It was a rough start for the Knicks' point guards.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a project or endeavor, use "rough start" to honestly acknowledge initial difficulties, which can build credibility with your audience. For example, "The project had a "rough start", but the team persevered and ultimately succeeded."

Common error

Avoid implying that a "rough start" inevitably leads to failure. Emphasize resilience and adaptation to show how initial challenges were overcome. For example, instead of saying "The company had a "rough start", so it was doomed from the beginning", say "The company had a "rough start", but strategic adjustments allowed it to thrive."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough start" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an initial period characterized by difficulty or adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

30%

General

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rough start" is a very common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a difficult or challenging beginning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and versatile. Predominantly found in News & Media and Sports contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. To enhance clarity and avoid misinterpretations, explicitly address how the initial challenges were overcome rather than implying an inevitable failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult beginning

Replaces "rough" with "difficult", maintaining a similar level of adversity.

rocky beginning

Substitutes "rough" with "rocky", suggesting instability and challenges from the outset.

challenging start

Replaces "rough" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature of the beginning.

inauspicious beginning

Uses "inauspicious" to indicate an unfavorable start, suggesting bad omens or poor prospects.

troubled commencement

Replaces both "rough" and "start" with synonyms, indicating a problematic beginning.

unpromising start

Indicates a beginning that does not inspire confidence or positive expectations.

unfavorable start

Uses "unfavorable" to describe the start, highlighting its disadvantageous nature.

shaky start

Replaces "rough" with "shaky", suggesting instability and a lack of solid foundation.

bumpy takeoff

Employs a metaphor, comparing the start to a "bumpy takeoff", implying turbulence.

problematic inception

Replaces both "rough" and "start" with more formal synonyms, indicating a flawed beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "rough start" in a sentence?

You can use "rough start" to describe a difficult or challenging beginning to something, such as a project, a game, or a relationship. For example, "The new business had a "difficult beginning", but it eventually became successful".

What's a more formal way to say "rough start"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "challenging start" or "problematic inception". These alternatives are suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Which is correct, "rough start" or "rough beginning"?

"Rough start" and "rough beginning" are both correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What are some common synonyms for "rough start"?

Some common synonyms include "rocky beginning", "shaky start", and "bumpy takeoff", each conveying a slightly different nuance of a difficult initial phase.