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Meaning & use

good starts

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌɡʊd ˈstɑːts/
US/ˌɡʊd ˈstɑːrts/

Meanings

  1. phraseplural

    Strong or favorable beginnings to events, activities, or periods.

    Grammar: Countable plural; use 'a good start' for one beginning and 'good starts' for several.

    Patterns

    • good starts to something
    • get off to good starts
    • have good starts

    Both teams have had good starts to the season.

    The project and the campaign got off to good starts.

    Good starts in the morning often lead to productive afternoons.

  2. phrasepluralsport

    In racing or competitions, early advantages or positions that are favorable.

    Grammar: Used especially in sports reporting about races and games.

    Patterns

    • make good starts
    • good starts from the blocks
    • good starts in the race

    The sprinters made good starts and stayed close together.

    Good starts from the blocks gave the swimmers an early lead.

    Several runners had good starts but faded near the end.

Word forms

singulargood start

Common combinations

get off to a good start
The meeting got off to a good start with a clear agenda.
a good start in life
A stable home gives children a good start in life.
make a good start on something
We made a good start on the report before lunch.
good starts to the season
Both clubs have had good starts to the season.
a good start to the day
A short walk is a good start to the day.

Synonyms and how they differ

strong beginnings
Emphasizes power or intensity rather than general favorability.
promising openings
Focuses on future potential; 'good starts' simply says the beginning went well.
flying starts
Informal and stronger, suggesting a very fast or impressive beginning.

Opposites

bad startsfalse starts

Word family

start noun
The beginning of an event or period.
start verb
To begin doing something or to begin operating.
starter noun
A person or thing that starts, or a first course of a meal.

Commonly confused: good starts or fresh start?

good starts vs fresh start

A 'fresh start' means beginning again after a failure or change; a 'good start' just means the beginning went well.

Practice

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