started off strong

USAGE SUMMARY

"started off strong" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone or something that began with a lot of energy, enthusiasm, or determination. For example, "The band started off strong with their opening song and had the audience up on their feet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"We started off strong, but we couldn't finish". La Cañada delivered a spirited blow to King's prospects in the first game in scoring 10 of the first 15 points in jumping out to a five-point advantage thanks to two kills from senior Kendall Walbrecht (16 kills) and a block and kill from senior Lauren Streeter.

Los Angeles Times

The Obama administration started off strong.

The New York Times

Cardinal Stritch started off strong, getting two quick runs.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The sad thing is that all had started off strong.

Harvard Business Review

Corbyn started off strong and looking as cool as a cucumber.

The Guardian - Opinion

The defending Super Bowl champions, the Rams, started off strong but barely made it in.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The blue team starts off strong, then the red team catches up, and, before you know it, they're neck and neck!

Huffington Post

But a bigger problem than the script (which starts off strong in that parking lot scene but slowly peters out) is perhaps the casting.

Huffington Post

Glick starts off strong as the gay Jacob, though his offbeat line readings grow less effective as the show goes on.

Huffington Post

Zack Handlen of The A.V. Club awarded the episode a "B+", writing that it was an "example of an episode that starts off strong, only to fumble when it comes to the follow through".

Wikipedia

We did examine the expression of one cutinase family member (MGG_02393.6) across a time-course of infection in barley, and found that this gene started off strongest at 24 hpi, and fell sharply by 48 hpi.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started off strong" to clearly communicate that something had a positive or successful beginning. This phrase can apply to various contexts, from sports and business to personal endeavors. Ensure the subsequent context reflects whether the initial momentum was sustained or diminished.

Common error

Avoid using "started off strong" if the subsequent performance or effort waned significantly. If the initial strength was not maintained, consider adding a qualifier such as "but failed to continue" or "but later faltered" to provide a more accurate representation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started off strong" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a predicate, indicating the initial state or action of a subject. It describes how something began, often emphasizing a positive or successful commencement. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started off strong" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a promising beginning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academic and scientific writing. While its register is generally neutral, more formal situations might benefit from alternatives such as "commenced promisingly". When using this phrase, ensure that the subsequent context reflects the accuracy of the initial assessment. Remember that beginning strongly is not a guarantee of continued success, so be sure to provide context to clarify if momentum was sustained or diminished.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opened strongly

Similar to the query, it highlights the power that an action or behavior can create.

got off to a good start

A more general phrase indicating a positive beginning without specifying the level of intensity.

began auspiciously

Emphasizes a promising or favorable start, often with a hint of good fortune.

commenced promisingly

Similar to "began auspiciously", highlighting the potential for future success based on the initial start.

kicked off well

Suggests a successful or positive beginning to an event or project.

showed initial promise

Focuses on the potential that an action or behavior can generate.

began with momentum

Highlights the initial drive and power that can lead to further success.

made a flying start

Implies a very quick and successful beginning, often used in sports or competitive contexts.

initiated successfully

Focuses on the successful launch or commencement of a project or initiative.

launched effectively

Highlights the effective implementation and beginning of something new.

FAQs

What does "started off strong" mean?

The phrase "started off strong" means that something or someone began with a high level of energy, enthusiasm, or success. It implies a promising beginning.

What can I say instead of "started off strong"?

You can use alternatives like "got off to a good start", "began auspiciously", or "kicked off well" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "started off strong" in formal writing?

Yes, "started off strong" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, for highly formal contexts, you might consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "commenced promisingly".

How to use "started off strong" in a sentence?

You can use "started off strong" to describe the beginning of an event, project, or person's performance. For example, "The team "started off strong", winning their first five games of the season."