shaky start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shaky start" is a common and correct part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to describe a beginning or introduction that is unsteady or uncertain. Example: The team got off to a shaky start, with several missed passes and fumbled plays. In this sentence, "shaky start" describes the uncertain or unsteady beginning of the team's performance. Here are a few more examples of how the phrase can be used: - The new student had a shaky start to the school year, struggling to adjust to the new schedule and make friends. - The company's latest product launch got off to a shaky start, with technical issues and negative reviews from early users. - Despite a shaky start, the actor's performance received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A Shaky Start.

The New York Times - Science

It is a shaky start.

The Guardian

Millwood had a shaky start.

The New York Times - Sports

Roethlisberger rallied from shaky start for Steelers.

The New York Times

After a shaky start, he settled in.

The New York Times

The plan worked perfectly, despite a shaky start.

The Guardian - Sport

The new coffee shop got off to a shaky start.

The New York Times

For unionists, 2012 got off to a shaky start.

Independent

Niese also rebounded from a shaky start in Chicago.

The New York Times - Sports

THINGS got off to a shaky start at Café Lebowitz.

The New York Times - Food

A first visit got off to a shaky start.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shaky start" to describe situations where initial progress is uncertain or unstable, but be prepared to provide context explaining the reasons for the instability.

Common error

Avoid using "shaky start" when the endeavor has already definitively failed. A "shaky start" implies there's still potential for improvement, while a "failed start" indicates a lack of viability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shaky start" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the initial phase of an activity or process. Ludwig AI shows that it is frequently used to describe the beginning of events, projects or relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shaky start" is a common and correct idiom used to describe an unstable or uncertain beginning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and sports reporting, implying potential challenges in the initial phase. While alternatives like "unsure start" or "weak start" exist, "shaky start" aptly conveys the idea of initial instability with the potential for improvement. Remember to use it when referring to the early stages of something that has the possibility of succeeding, and not when the event has already failed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsure start

Replaces "shaky" with "unsure", focusing on the lack of confidence at the beginning.

uncertain start

Substitutes "shaky" with "uncertain", emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the beginning.

unsteady start

Replaces "shaky" with "unsteady", indicating a lack of stability.

weak start

Uses "weak" instead of "shaky", highlighting the lack of strength or effectiveness at the beginning.

fragile start

Emphasizes the vulnerability and delicate nature of the beginning.

tentative start

Focuses on the hesitant and cautious nature of the beginning.

poor start

Uses "poor" instead of "shaky", focusing on the low quality or undesirable nature of the beginning.

bumpy start

Replaces "shaky" with "bumpy", suggesting a beginning filled with difficulties and obstacles.

troubled beginning

Shifts the focus to the difficulties associated with the initial phase.

difficult launch

Uses business-oriented language to describe a problematic introduction or commencement.

FAQs

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

You can use "shaky start" to describe an uncertain or unstable beginning, for example: "The project had a "shaky start" due to funding issues, but it eventually became a success."

What can I say instead of "shaky start"?

You can use alternatives like "unsure start", "uncertain start", or "weak start" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "shaky beginning" or "shaky start"?

Both "shaky beginning" and ""shaky start"" are acceptable. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context, as they convey similar meanings.

What's the difference between "shaky start" and "slow start"?

While both phrases describe a less-than-ideal beginning, ""shaky start"" implies instability or uncertainty, while "slow start" simply indicates a lack of initial speed or momentum. One is related to stability and the other to speed.