Clear starting point

USAGE SUMMARY

"Clear starting point" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to introduce an idea that will be further discussed or expanded on, for example: "This project will require careful planning, so let's start by identifying a clear starting point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

There's no clear starting point like there is in Hong Kong".

The New York Times

Engineering is a clear starting point: sanitation, shelter and supply lines are all essential in any crisis.

The Guardian

But given both a clear starting point in the latest ConAgra offer and the high risks of the Post spinoff, silence isn't golden, according to I.S.S.

The New York Times

"I regard it as the responsibility of the senior judiciary to give guidance and it will be guidance that is not merely, 'Well, it all depends,' but starting from a clear starting point giving fairly reasonable guidance as to what should happen.

The Guardian

Insofar as one takes pure wave mechanics to provide a clear starting point for addressing the quantum measurement problem, one might find such alternatives naturally compelling.

SEP

In contrast, non-stop onsets (specifically, [x m l]) have a clear starting point and are unlikely to be under-measured.

Lingua Sinica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Online mortgage calculators are great at giving you a clearer starting point for mortgage shopping.

Huffington Post

But we think the trend is clear: the starting point is always: "The future is lost.

The Guardian - Opinion

The official sentencing guidelines for judges since 2008 have made clear that their "starting point for the lowest level of knife possession amongst adults should be 12 weeks' custody".

The Guardian

In my new role as Shadow Culture Secretary, I want to be very clear Labour's starting point will be a commitment to defend the freedom of the free press.

The Guardian

*Schoonen and Verhallen (2008), in their report on the development of a Dutch WAT for young L2 learners, also made it clear that "the starting point was that familiarity with all the words could be taken for granted for nine-year-olds in Grade 3 of primary school (the youngest target group)" (pp. 219 220).

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clear starting point", ensure the context clearly defines what action or process begins from that point. This avoids ambiguity and provides a solid foundation for further development.

Common error

Avoid using "clear starting point" without explicitly stating what the starting point actually is. For example, instead of saying "We need a clear starting point", specify "A clear starting point for this project is defining the budget" to provide concrete direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear starting point" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a specific, well-defined place or time from which an activity or process commences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

56%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clear starting point" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the unambiguous beginning of a process or project. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s suitable for diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific and formal business communications. When using this phrase, ensure that the starting point is explicitly defined to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "defined beginning" or "unambiguous launch" exist, "clear starting point" remains a direct and effective way to establish a shared understanding of where to begin. This phrase, while common, should be used judiciously with a specific reference to what constitutes the "clear starting point" in any given context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Defined beginning

Focuses on the concept of a beginning that is clearly defined, omitting the idea of "point".

Unambiguous launch

Replaces "starting point" with "launch", emphasizing the commencement of something in an unequivocal manner.

Well-defined origin

Substitutes "starting point" with "well-defined origin", highlighting the source or root in a precise manner.

Explicit initial stage

Replaces "clear" with "explicit" and "starting point" with "initial stage", suggesting an unambiguous and early phase.

Distinct commencement

Uses "distinct commencement" instead of "clear starting point", emphasizing a clear and formal beginning.

Precise point of departure

Emphasizes accuracy and the action of leaving or beginning from a specific location.

Specific initial step

Replaces "clear" with "specific" to highlight a particular action, differing slightly in nuance.

Well-articulated foundation

Shifts the focus to a base or groundwork that is thoroughly explained, deviating somewhat from a literal starting point.

Determined initiation

Uses "determined initiation" instead of "clear starting point", suggesting a resolute commencement.

Established primary basis

Shifts the focus from a temporal starting point to a foundational basis that is already established.

FAQs

How can I use "clear starting point" in a sentence?

You can use "clear starting point" to indicate the beginning of a process, project, or discussion. For instance, "Identifying the requirements is a "clear starting point" for the software development."

What can I say instead of "clear starting point"?

Alternatives include phrases like "defined beginning", "unambiguous launch", or "well-defined origin", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to have a "clear starting point"?

While not always essential, having a "clear starting point" is beneficial for providing direction, structure, and a common understanding, especially in complex projects or ambiguous situations. Sometimes exploration without a pre-defined starting point can be beneficial, however defining a defined beginning generally ensures alignment.

What makes a "clear starting point" effective?

An effective "clear starting point" is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). It should be easily understood and provide a solid foundation for subsequent actions or decisions.