started promisingly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started promisingly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that began with positive signs or expectations but may not have continued in the same manner. Example: "The project started promisingly, with initial feedback indicating strong support from stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Things started promisingly enough.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Both started promisingly enough.

The Guardian - Sport

Maddy started promisingly.

The Guardian - Travel

It all started promisingly enough.

The New York Times

Project Sammaan had started promisingly enough.

Yale University

Just like the season, it all started promisingly for Orient.

The Guardian - Sport

The season started promisingly enough, with Coughlin winning his first three challenges.

The New York Times - Sports

The evening had not started promisingly for Arsenal, when Wenger could only name six substitutes.

The Guardian - Sport

United had started promisingly at Soldier Field, in what was the sternest test of the trip.

The Guardian - Sport

"Digging in the Dark" started promisingly, on Wednesday night at the American Theater of Actors.

The New York Times - Arts

The business grew, and trials on the asthma drug EPI 2010 started promisingly enough.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started promisingly" to introduce a situation or project that had positive early indicators, but be prepared to elaborate on whether that promise was sustained or diminished over time.

Common error

Avoid using "started promisingly" as a standalone statement. Always provide context about how the situation evolved after the initial promising start to maintain clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started promisingly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action or event began. As Ludwig AI indicates, it sets the stage by highlighting a positive initial state or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started promisingly" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe an initially positive state or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While it suggests a positive beginning, it often implies a subsequent change or contrast, making it crucial to provide additional context. Related phrases include "began auspiciously" and "showed initial promise". Remember to avoid using it in isolation and elaborate on the subsequent developments to maintain clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began auspiciously

Focuses on the favorable or successful nature of the beginning.

showed initial promise

Highlights the potential that was evident at the start.

had a bright start

Emphasizes the positive and encouraging nature of the commencement.

commenced favorably

Indicates a positive or advantageous start.

kicked off well

An informal way to describe a successful beginning.

opened with potential

Stresses the latent possibilities present from the outset.

initiated successfully

Highlights the accomplishment of a positive start.

launched with optimism

Focuses on the hopeful expectations surrounding the beginning.

began on a positive note

Indicates a cheerful or favorable start.

got off to a good start

A common idiom for a successful beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "started promisingly" in a sentence?

You can use "started promisingly" to describe an event, project, or relationship that began with positive signs or good prospects. For example, "The project "started promisingly", with initial funding secured and a dedicated team in place."

What can I say instead of "started promisingly"?

You can use alternatives such as "began auspiciously", "showed initial promise", or "had a bright start" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to follow "started promisingly" with phrases like "but then..."?

No, it's not necessarily redundant. "Started promisingly" implies a positive beginning, and adding "but then..." indicates a change in circumstances. This contrast is often necessary to provide a complete picture.

What's the difference between "started promisingly" and "ended well"?

"Started promisingly" focuses on the initial phase, suggesting a positive beginning, whereas "ended well" describes the final outcome, indicating a successful conclusion. They describe different stages of an event or process.