started well

USAGE SUMMARY

"started well" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation that had a positive beginning, such as, "The project started well, but then quickly ran into difficulties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Things started well enough.

Independent

June started well, too.

The New York Times - Sports

It started well enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Things started well.

The Economist

Still, things haven't started well.

Independent

This started well before 1997.

The Economist

They started well yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

We haven't started well".

The New York Times - Sports

The race started well.

The New York Times - Health

This has started well.

The Guardian - Sport

The day started well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started well" to describe the initial phase of a project, event, or relationship when the beginning was successful or promising. This sets a positive tone and implies potential for future success.

Common error

Avoid using "started well" as a standalone statement without providing details about what specifically went well. Add context to clarify the specific aspects of the beginning that were positive, such as "The project started well because of strong team collaboration."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started well" functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to indicate the manner in which an event, project, or activity began. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "started well" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe a positive beginning. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, sports, and general conversations. While versatile, it's important to provide context to clarify what specific aspects of the beginning were positive. Alternative phrases such as "got off to a good start" and "had a promising start" can add nuanced meanings, depending on the specific situation. Ensure clarity and context to effectively use "started well" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got off to a good start

Focuses on the initial momentum and positive beginning.

made a strong start

Highlights the intensity and impact of the initial phase.

had a promising start

Highlights the potential for future success based on the initial phase.

launched effectively

Focuses on the successful deployment or introduction of something.

kicked off successfully

Emphasizes the successful commencement of an event or project.

opened positively

Suggests a favorable beginning, often in a business or performance context.

began auspiciously

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the favorable conditions at the start.

commenced favorably

A more formal and less common way of saying that something started in a positive way.

initiated advantageously

Emphasizes the benefits and favorable circumstances of the initial start.

developed smoothly

It describes the beginning in terms of a positive development, not just as a simple start.

FAQs

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

You can use "started well" to describe a situation that had a positive beginning, such as "The meeting "started well" with a productive discussion of key objectives." or "The initiative "started well", quickly gaining traction among stakeholders".

What are some alternatives to "started well"?

Alternatives to "started well" include phrases like "got off to a good start", "began auspiciously", or "had a promising start", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "started well" in formal writing?

Yes, "started well" is generally appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "commenced favorably" or "initiated advantageously".

What does it imply when something is said to have "started well"?

When something is said to have ""started well"", it implies that the initial phase was successful, promising, or positive in some way. This suggests a good foundation for future progress or outcomes.