as a starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a starting" is not correct in English; it should be "as a starting point." You can use it when introducing an initial idea or basis for discussion or action.
Example: "As a starting point, we should consider the feedback from last year's project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

As a starting quarterback, his record was 26 2.

Wikipedia

"They treat 2017 as a starting point.

The New York Times

Instead, take it as a starting point.

The New York Times

I propose as a starting step..

The Guardian

"You don't want attention as a starting corps member.

The New York Times - Arts

Egypt suggested February 5th as a starting date.

The Economist

As a starting step, the Moon program is very necessary".

The New York Times

I'd recommend his King of Comedy as a starting point.

The Guardian - Film

Use them as a starting point for research.

The New York Times

— but as a starting point it's not bad.

The New York Times - Books

"Even me as a starting pitcher," he added.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the complete and correct idiomatic expression, "as a starting point", to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy in your writing. Consider replacing the incorrect phrase "as a starting" with options like "as an initial step" or "to begin with".

Common error

Avoid shortening "as a starting point" to "as a starting" because this omission leads to grammatical incorrectness and can confuse the reader. Always use the full, idiomatic phrase for proper meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a starting" is grammatically incomplete and non-idiomatic. It attempts to function as a prepositional phrase, intending to introduce an initial consideration or action, but requires the addition of "point" to form the correct expression. Ludwig AI confirms that the correct and complete expression is "as a starting point."

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a starting" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. The correct idiomatic expression is "as a starting point", which is used to introduce an initial idea or action. Alternatives such as "as an initial step" or "to begin with" can also be used. According to Ludwig AI, the incomplete form is non-idiomatic and undermines the intended communicative purpose. Always ensure to use the complete and correct phrase for clarity and grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a starting point

Adds 'point' to complete the idiomatic expression, indicating an initial basis or reference.

as an initial step

Replaces 'starting' with 'initial', emphasizing the introductory nature of the action.

as a first measure

Highlights the action as the primary or preliminary action to be taken.

to begin with

Offers a more concise and common way to express the idea of starting or initiating.

in the beginning

Focuses on the temporal aspect of starting, referring to the initial phase or stage.

at the outset

Emphasizes the commencement or initiation of something, often in a formal context.

as an opening gambit

Implies a strategic or calculated start, often in negotiations or competitive scenarios.

to kick things off

Provides an informal and dynamic way to describe the start of an event or activity.

as an introductory move

Highlights the action as a prelude or introduction to a series of subsequent actions.

for starters

Offers a casual and conversational way to introduce the first point or item in a list.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use the phrase referring to an initial step?

The correct phrase is "as a starting point". You can also use alternatives like "as an initial step", or "to begin with".

Why is "as a starting" considered grammatically incorrect?

The phrase "as a starting" is incomplete. The idiomatic expression requires the word "point" to function correctly. Without it, the phrase lacks a clear and accepted grammatical structure.

Can I use "as a beginning" instead of "as a starting point"?

While "as a beginning" is grammatically correct, it's not as commonly used as "as a starting point". Depending on the context, "as an initial step" or "to begin with" might also be suitable.

What are some formal alternatives to "as a starting point"?

Formal alternatives include "as an initial step", "at the outset", or "as a first measure". These phrases convey a similar meaning in a more professional or academic context.