violent start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "violent start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an abrupt or aggressive beginning to an event, story, or situation. Example: "The movie had a violent start, shocking the audience with its intense action sequence right from the opening scene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

They are unlikely to see a negotiating table anytime soon either, with the new fighting season in Afghanistan off to a particularly violent start and with the latest push to restart talks all but abandoned.

The New York Times

Tony Blair's book-signing tour got off to a violent start in Dublin, where it was reported that the crowd threw not just eggs, but shoes at the budding author.

Independent

The game on Sunday had a violent start, establishing a fierce tone, and amid the constellation of superstars on both teams, the referee, Héber Lopes, somehow emerged as the center of attention.

The New York Times - Sports

In Ethiopia, 2016 is off to a violent start.

Huffington Post

Meanwhile, the week has already gotten off to a violent start in Chicago.

Huffington Post

The year got off to a violent start with 50 homicides in January and rarely let up even after the end of the summer — the peak season for shootings.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Inevitably, such coercive measures turned violent, starting with Crusader mobs crying "Convert or die!" Jews mainly resisted, and nobly so.

The New Yorker

Police are getting violent, starting to kettle protestors outside Downing Street pic.twitter.com/xeV0EuM4lr.

Vice

Though the winter season is usually not one of the city's bloodiest, there have been some violent starts to the year.

Los Angeles Times

Historical eruptions at Mauna Loa are typically Hawaiian in character and rarely violent, starting with the emergence of lava fountains over a several kilometer long rift colloquially known as the "curtain of fire" (often, but not always, propagating from Mauna Loa's summit ) and eventually concentrating at a single vent, its long-term eruptive center.

Wikipedia

"Research has shown that violent criminals start out by torturing animals.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "violent start" to vividly describe situations where aggression or intensity is present from the very beginning. For example, describe a sports match or a political conflict.

Common error

Avoid using "violent start" when the situation is simply energetic or enthusiastic. "Violent" implies actual or threatened harm, so ensure the phrase matches the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "violent start" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "violent" modifies the noun "start". It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing the nature of an event's beginning. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "violent start" is used to describe the initial phase of an event characterized by aggression or intense activity. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "aggressive beginning" or "tumultuous onset" exist, "violent start" distinctly conveys the presence of actual or threatened harm from the outset. To wield it effectively, writers should ensure the phrase accurately reflects the situation's gravity and aligns with the overall tone of their writing. As Ludwig confirms through its examples, this phrase serves as a powerful descriptor for disruptive and conflict-laden beginnings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aggressive beginning

Replaces "violent" with "aggressive", focusing on the forceful nature of the start.

tumultuous onset

Substitutes both words for more formal and intense synonyms, emphasizing the chaotic nature.

brutal commencement

Uses "brutal" to highlight the harshness and "commencement" as a formal synonym for "start".

fierce initiation

Emphasizes the intensity and forceful introduction of an event.

turbulent kickoff

Suggests a chaotic and unstable beginning, often used for events or periods.

heated inception

Focuses on the passionate and intense nature of the beginning.

explosive launch

Highlights the sudden and impactful nature of the beginning.

stormy genesis

Emphasizes a troubled and unstable origin or beginning.

abrupt outbreak

Highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of the beginning of something negative.

ferocious dawn

Uses "ferocious" to describe the intensity and aggressiveness of the beginning, suggesting a harsh start.

FAQs

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

You can use "violent start" to describe an event or period that begins with aggression or intense activity. For example, "The protest had a "violent start" with clashes between police and demonstrators."

What are some alternatives to "violent start"?

Some alternatives include "aggressive beginning", "tumultuous onset", or "brutal commencement". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "violent start" in a formal context?

Yes, it can be appropriate in formal contexts, especially when describing conflicts or crises. However, ensure the tone and language of the surrounding text are also formal.

What connotations does "violent start" carry?

"Violent start" carries connotations of aggression, conflict, and potential harm. It suggests a situation that is unstable and potentially dangerous from the outset.