smooth start

USAGE SUMMARY

"smooth start" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe the beginning of a project, endeavor, or journey. Example: The class was off to a smooth start as the professor explained the syllabus on the first day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"A clear vote and a smooth start.

The Guardian

It did not get off to a smooth start.

The Guardian

The following is important to ensure that your new employee has a smooth start at Haas.

University of California, Berkeley

A smooth start to the tax-filing season is already endangered, lawmakers and I.R.S. officials say.

The New York Times

The smooth start and easy finish helped disguise some in-between pocks on the Giants' performance.

The New York Times - Sports

But he attributed the relatively smooth start to the society's experience in working with troubled children.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

This requires a smooth start-up as well as a productive and safe environment for the operations.

Handbook of Natural Gas Transmission and Processing Principles and Practices

The experimental results showed that the start-up process shifted from a "sudden start-up mode" to a "smooth start-up mode" with the increase of heating power.

Applied Thermal Engineering

In a management shake-up that shows that even the most promising publishing team does not always guarantee a smooth start-up, the managing editor of Real Simple -- a new magazine from Time Inc. for women who want to simplify their lives -- resigned yesterday.

The New York Times

[C4.] Editor Steps Down at Real Simple In a management shake-up that shows that even the most promising publishing team does not always guarantee a smooth start-up, the managing editor of Real Simple -- a new magazine from Time for women who want to simplify their lives -- resigned.

The New York Times

'It hasn't been the silky-smooth start to the season that I would like, but it's a tough game sometimes.' That is some understatement.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the beginning of a project or initiative, use "smooth start" to emphasize efficiency and a lack of initial problems. For instance, "The project had a "smooth start", which allowed the team to meet its initial milestones ahead of schedule".

Common error

Avoid using "smooth start" to describe situations where the positive outcome is not due to the initial phase but rather to later improvements or changes. For example, don't say "Despite a rocky beginning, the initiative had a "smooth start" after the new strategy was implemented"; the positive result is not attributable to the start itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smooth start" functions primarily as a noun phrase that describes the quality of an initial phase or beginning. It often acts as a subject or object in a sentence, indicating a positive attribute of the starting point as seen in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

13%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smooth start" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a beginning that is free from problems or difficulties. Ludwig's examples show its frequent appearance in diverse contexts like news reporting, academic discussions, and scientific publications. With a neutral register, it conveys approval and optimism regarding the initial phase of a project or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While "smooth start" is generally versatile, it's crucial to ensure that the positive outcome truly stems from the initial phase, not later adjustments. Related phrases, such as "auspicious beginning" or "successful kickoff", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

auspicious beginning

Emphasizes the favorable or promising nature of the beginning.

successful kickoff

Highlights the success of the initial stage or event.

favorable commencement

Focuses on the positive or advantageous aspect of the start.

promising launch

Suggests the potential for future success based on the initial start.

easy introduction

Indicates a lack of difficulty or obstacles in the initial phase.

uncomplicated initiation

Focuses on the simplicity and lack of complexity in the beginning.

seamless inception

Highlights the smooth and fluid transition into the beginning.

trouble-free takeoff

Implies an absence of problems or difficulties in the initial stage.

positive opening

Stresses the encouraging or optimistic nature of the start.

advantageous start

Highlights the element of early gain or benefit at the commencement of something.

FAQs

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

"Smooth start" typically describes a project, process, or event that begins without problems or difficulties. For example, "The new software implementation had a "smooth start", thanks to the extensive planning and training".

What are some alternatives to "smooth start"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "auspicious beginning", "successful kickoff", or "promising launch" as alternatives to "smooth start". Each of these emphasizes a different aspect of a positive beginning.

Is it correct to say "relatively smooth start"?

Yes, it is correct. Adding "relatively" indicates that the start was mostly smooth, but there might have been minor issues or challenges. For instance, "The cleanup in the New York area is off to a "relatively smooth start"".

What is the difference between "smooth start" and "easy start"?

"Smooth start" emphasizes the absence of problems or friction, while "easy start" focuses on the lack of difficulty or effort required. A "smooth start" might still require effort, but it proceeds without complications, while an "easy start" implies minimal effort and difficulty.