strong start

USAGE SUMMARY

"strong start" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase in a variety of contexts to refer to someone or something beginning with energy, power, or confidence. For example, you might say "She had a strong start to the race, leading the pack the entire first lap."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A strong start.

The Guardian - Sport

But this is a strong start.

The New York Times

The sled has had a strong start.

The New York Times

He has made a strong start.

The Economist

But it's definitely a strong start".

The New York Times

That came after a strong start.

The New York Times - Sports

After a strong start, it's sinking.

The New York Times

The Assembly's support is a strong start, Mr. Kink said.

The New York Times

Neoliberalism actually enjoyed a strong start in Bolivia.

The New Yorker

"We're off to a very strong start," Mr. Creatura said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The report highlighted a strong start-up culture of dance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair with specific metrics or examples (e.g. 'a strong start with 20% growth') to ground the adjective in reality.

Common error

Do not use "strong start" to describe a situation that is already well-established. It specifically refers to the transition from inactivity to activity. If a project is halfway through and performing well, use terms like 'consistent performance' or 'steady progress' instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong start" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the direct object of a verb (e.g. 'had a strong start') or the complement of a prepositional phrase (e.g. 'off to a strong start'). As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a standard collocation where the adjective 'strong' intensifies the noun 'start'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "strong start" is a highly versatile and effective English idiom used to denote a beginning marked by vigor, success or momentum. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across the most prestigious media outlets, particularly in the contexts of finance, sports and political analysis. It is most frequently used in the construction "off to a strong start". Whether you are writing a business report or a sports summary, this phrase is a reliable choice to convey initial excellence. For a more nuanced tone, you might consider alternatives like a "promising start" or a "solid start", but the core phrase remains a staple of clear, impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solid start

Emphasizes reliability and a lack of early errors rather than just power.

promising start

Shifts focus to the potential for future success rather than the current energy.

robust start

Suggests a beginning that is not only strong but also resilient to challenges.

vigorous start

Connotes a higher level of physical or active energy.

impressive start

Focuses on how the beginning is perceived by others as noteworthy.

auspicious start

A more formal term suggesting the beginning is a sign of future success.

powerful opening

Often used specifically for performances, speeches or creative works.

energetic beginning

Swaps the noun for a synonym and focuses on the vitality of the action.

firm beginning

Implies stability and a lack of hesitation at the outset.

significant start

Suggests the beginning has importance or weight beyond just being strong.

FAQs

How to use "strong start" in a sentence?

You can use it as a noun phrase to describe an initial phase, for example: "The company is off to a "strong start" this quarter due to increased holiday sales".

What can I say instead of "strong start"?

Depending on your tone, you could use a "solid start" for reliability, a "robust start" for durability, or a "promising start" to highlight future potential.

Is "strong start" formal or informal?

It is a neutral phrase that is perfectly acceptable in both professional business reports and informal sports commentary.

What is the difference between a "strong start" and a "good start"?

While a "good start" is generally positive, a "strong start" implies more momentum, power and decisive action at the beginning.