Let me start by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Let me start by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a topic or beginning a discussion, often followed by an explanation or a list of points. Example: "Let me start by outlining the main objectives of our meeting today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let me start by comparing two procedures.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let me start by congratulating my correspondents.

The New York Times

"Let me start by describing the situation to the audience".

The New Yorker

Let me start by making a plea for civility.

University of California, Berkeley

Let me start by actually doing a small recap.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let me start by saying that our armed forces are exceptional.

The Economist

Let me start by sharing a few of the highlights of the past year.

Stanford University

Let me start by recalling how much finance has changed since 1970.

Yale University

Let me start by making clear where I agree with the neo-conservative approach.

The Guardian

Let me start by thanking your fabulous governor, your next US senator, Maggie Hassan.

The Guardian

Let me start by saying one thing: If I can do this, you can, too.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Let me start by" to clearly signal the beginning of a discussion or explanation, helping your audience follow your train of thought.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "Let me start by". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Let me start by" functions as a discourse marker, specifically an introductory phrase, signaling the beginning of a discussion, explanation, or a series of points. As confirmed by Ludwig, it sets the stage for what follows.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Let me start by" is a highly versatile and frequently used introductory phrase that serves to clearly signal the beginning of a discussion or explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for a range of contexts, from news and media to academia and business. While it's generally acceptable in both formal and informal settings, varying your introductory phrases is recommended to avoid repetition. Consider using alternatives such as "to begin with" or "firstly" to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Let's begin by

Suggests a more collaborative and inclusive tone.

I'd like to begin with

Adds a personal touch and softens the introduction.

To begin with

More formal and direct.

First and foremost

Emphasizes the priority or importance of the initial point.

I want to start off by

More conversational and relaxed.

Firstly

Emphasizes a structured, point-by-point approach.

As a starting point

Highlights the foundational nature of the initial statement.

Initially

Focuses on the starting point of a process or discussion.

By way of introduction

Formally introduces a topic or speaker.

To commence with

Highly formal, suitable for official settings.

FAQs

How can I use "Let me start by" effectively in writing?

Use "Let me start by" to introduce your main point or a key piece of information right at the beginning. This helps to immediately focus the reader's attention and sets the stage for the rest of your content.

What are some alternatives to "Let me start by"?

You can use alternatives like "to begin with", "firstly", or "initially" to introduce a topic or argument.

Is it okay to use "Let me start by" in formal writing?

Yes, "Let me start by" is acceptable in formal writing, although more formal alternatives like "to commence with" or "by way of introduction" might be preferred in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "Let me start by" and "Let's start by"?

"Let me start by" is a more individualistic phrasing, where the speaker is indicating their own intention to begin. "Let's start by" is more collaborative, inviting the audience to begin together.