as a starting point

USAGE SUMMARY

"as a starting point" is a perfectly correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It suggests the beginning point of a process, the first step in a journey, or the foundation for an idea. For example, "Let's consider the history of the region as a starting point for further discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They treat 2017 as a starting point.

The New York Times

Instead, take it as a starting point.

The New York Times

As a starting point, this is great.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a starting point, heat treatment of aluminium is considered.

Energy Procedia

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

The New York Times - Books

Use them as a starting point for research.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Film

Use trousers or a skirt as a starting point.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This served as a starting point for my story".

The Guardian - Books

But the templates below should work as a starting point.

The New York Times

But many Texans view that as a starting point.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a starting point", clearly indicate what will follow or be built upon this initial step to provide context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "as a starting point" without explaining what the starting point leads to. This can leave your audience wondering about the direction or purpose of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a starting point" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause. It sets the context or condition under which an action or process begins. Ludwig confirms its frequent usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

33%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a starting point" is a versatile phrase used to introduce the initial phase or foundation of a process, idea, or discussion. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse fields, including news, academia, and science. While its register is generally neutral, clarity is key: ensure you articulate what follows the "starting point" to provide context and direction. Consider alternatives like "to begin with" or "initially" for conciseness, but remember that "as a starting point" often implies a more substantial basis for future development. Ludwig's examples showcase its wide applicability and acceptability in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an initial step

Focuses on the sequential nature of starting something, highlighting it as the first action.

as a preliminary measure

Emphasizes the preparatory aspect of the starting point, suggesting it's done in anticipation of something more.

as a foundation

Highlights the role of the starting point as a base upon which something is built.

to begin with

A simple and direct way to indicate the commencement of a discussion or activity.

for starters

An informal way to introduce the first item or point in a series.

as a groundwork

Similar to 'foundation', it suggests the initial preparation or basic principles.

in its nascent stage

Emphasizes the early and developing nature of something.

in the initial phase

Focuses on the temporal aspect, highlighting that it's the first part of a process.

at the outset

Indicates the very beginning of something, often used in a formal context.

as an introductory phase

Highlights the start as a phase, often shorter, with the goal of introducing the topic.

FAQs

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

Use "as a starting point" to introduce an initial idea, action, or resource that serves as the basis for further development. For example, "Let's use this research /s/as+a+starting+point for our project.".

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

Alternatives include "as an initial step", "to begin with", or "for starters", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it redundant to say "as a starting point"?

While the phrase is commonly used, consider if a simpler alternative like "initially" or "to start" might be more concise without losing meaning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "as a starting point" and "as a point of departure"?

"As a starting point" suggests a foundation for building upon, while "as a point of departure" implies a beginning from which one deviates or explores different directions. The former implies continuation, the latter implies divergence.