as a start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of a process or to introduce an initial point in a discussion or plan. Example: "As a start, we should outline our main objectives for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Democrats see that as a start.

The New York Times

This awakening is fine as a start.

The New York Times

I think as a start.

University of California, Berkeley

Yes, I'd recommend acupuncture as a start.

Stanford University

We see this as a start.

Cornell University

As a start, define your goal.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Perhaps you are wondering what qualifies as a start-up.

The New York Times

"As a start-up, there's no way to do that.

The New York Times

"It's not the same as a start-up project.

Independent

By comparison, Vice hardly qualifies as a start-up.

The New York Times

This solution is then used as a start-up solution for further optimization.

Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a start" to clearly indicate the beginning of a series of actions or considerations, especially when outlining steps in a process or initiating a discussion.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple sentences or paragraphs with "as a start" in short succession. This can make your writing repetitive. Instead, vary your introductory phrases with alternatives like "initially" or "to begin with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a start" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb in the main clause. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It introduces the initial action or consideration in a sequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a start" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to introduce the beginning of a process or discussion. As noted by Ludwig, it is considered correct and appropriate for use in written English. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives exist for highly professional contexts. It is commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and scientific publications. When using "as a start", ensure it clearly signals the initiation of a sequence of actions or ideas. Remember to vary your introductory phrases to prevent redundancy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to begin with

Focuses on the action of beginning, rather than the specific concept of a "start".

initially

Highlights the temporal aspect of something happening at the beginning.

for starters

More informal, implying that there will be more steps or points following.

as an initial step

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature of a process.

at the outset

More formal, refers to the very beginning of something.

to kick things off

Informal idiom for beginning an activity or discussion.

first and foremost

Highlights the primary importance of the initial action.

in the first place

Can imply a sense of justification for the initial action.

as a preliminary measure

Highlights that action taken is to prepare for something more important later.

as a jumping-off point

Implies that the initial action is a base for further progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "as a start" to introduce the first step in a sequence of actions or to propose an initial idea or approach. For example, "As a start, we should define our objectives for the project".

What are some alternatives to "as a start"?

Some alternatives include "to begin with", "initially", or "for starters", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "as a start" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "As a start" functions as an introductory phrase, setting the stage for what follows.

When is it appropriate to use "as a start" versus more formal alternatives?

"As a start" is suitable for many contexts, but in highly formal or academic writing, consider using phrases like "at the outset" or "as an initial step" to maintain a more professional tone.