a beginning point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a beginning point" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial stage or starting location of a process, discussion, or journey. Example: "To understand the complexities of the issue, we need to establish a beginning point for our analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"The reference that they use for each other is a beginning point for that decorum".

The New York Times

"Frankly, I view this as a beginning point and not as an ending," Mr. Cantu said.

The New York Times

The painter John Marin was for many people a beginning point for their interest in modern art.

The New York Times

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet This sort of marital dead end was a beginning point of several screwball comedies of the thirties and forties — where marriages often needed a jolt — and even in "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House," a surprisingly powerful picture from 1948 (the therapy there was constructing a house in Connecticut — the picture became a comic horror story).

The New Yorker

This sort of marital dead end was a beginning point of several screwball comedies of the thirties and forties — where marriages often needed a jolt — and even in "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House," a surprisingly powerful picture from 1948 (the therapy there was constructing a house in Connecticut — the picture became a comic horror story).

The New Yorker

"Maybe," he suggests, "Paris can serve as a beginning point for thinking about how urban residents can reconnect with one another, since it is impossible to know when nature may present an unexpected challenge and when depending on one's neighbors may determine one's survival".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

In one kind of measuring, we find how big or small a thing is using a scale, beginning point and unit.

The New York Times

The current e-Golf starts at $28,995 U.S., so that's probably a decent beginning point in terms of setting price expectations.

TechCrunch

If the bars do not touch, choose a convenient space and leave this blank between the pairs of bars, often from an appropriate beginning point, such as January, or a certain year.

WikiHow

For each rat cornea, these directions were tracked starting from a point close to the beginning point of the logarithmic spiral fitted to the observed patch edges.

Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology

(A voice-over in the beginning points out "the fine line that separates madness from sanity").

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a beginning point", ensure it clearly defines the initiation of a process, argument, or discussion to provide a solid foundation for subsequent steps.

Common error

Avoid using "a beginning point" without specifying what exactly is starting or being initiated. Ensure the context clarifies the scope and purpose of this starting point to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a beginning point" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies the starting location or initial phase of something, often used to set the context or lay the groundwork for further discussion or action. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a beginning point" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote the initiation of a process, discussion, or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and formal settings. Its frequency is classified as Common, appearing in numerous authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The New Yorker. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is starting and avoid vagueness to maintain its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a starting point

Direct synonym, emphasizing the act of starting something.

an initial step

Focuses on the first action taken in a process.

a foundation

Highlights the base upon which something is built.

a point of departure

Emphasizes leaving one state and moving to another.

an entry point

Suggests a place or means of access or commencement.

a launchpad

Implies a place from which a new venture is initiated.

the first stage

Refers to the initial phase in a multi-step process.

the ground floor

Indicates the very beginning of an opportunity or project.

a genesis

A more formal term denoting the origin or creation.

an inception

Highlights the start or commencement of an organization or idea.

FAQs

How can I use "a beginning point" in a sentence?

You can use "a beginning point" to introduce the start of a discussion, project, or process. For example, "Let's use this research as "a beginning point" for our investigation."

What are some alternatives to "a beginning point"?

Alternatives include "a starting point", "an initial step", or "a foundation", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "a beginning point" and "a starting point"?

While very similar, "a beginning point" may subtly emphasize the conceptual or abstract commencement of something, whereas "a starting point" can imply a more practical or tangible start. In most contexts, they are interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use "a beginning point" in formal writing?

"A beginning point" is suitable for formal writing when clearly introducing the foundation or initiation of an argument, analysis, or structured process. It adds clarity and provides a clear reference for subsequent developments.