as the starting point

USAGE SUMMARY

"as the starting point" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that acts as a starting point or baseline for other things to build on. For example, "We decided to use the most recent survey results as the starting point for our discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Since then palaeontologists have largely taken it as the starting point for bird life.

The Guardian

The director uses Apu's misbehavior as the starting point for an absurdist political fable.

The New York Times

As the starting point for a neglected debate, the book raises questions that it doesn't answer.

The Guardian - Books

As before, I've taken Shakespeare (not Chaucer) as the starting point.

The Guardian - Books

Palestinians believe that Taba should serve as the starting point for peace talks.

The New York Times

The papers, especially the leaked maps, will serve as the starting point for future negotiations.

The Guardian - Opinion

In her first two seasons as the starting point guard, UConn had a 64-9 record.

The New York Times - Sports

Rather, they will understand waste as the starting point for something new.

The Guardian

As the starting point of trips to Machu Picchu I should have expected nothing less.

The Guardian - Travel

As the starting point for an inquiry project, let's consider what recycling has to offer.

The New York Times

"It was used as the starting point for the descents of Apollo 10 and 11.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as the starting point", ensure that the subsequent information clearly builds upon the identified initial element. This provides clarity and logical flow to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as the starting point" when introducing a general topic without a specific initial element. This can create confusion about the intended focus and direction of your discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the starting point" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a verb or noun, indicating the origin, foundation, or initial stage in a process, argument, or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as the starting point" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase. Ludwig AI’s analysis of numerous examples confirms that it's primarily employed to designate the initial foundation or basis upon which something is built. Its register spans from neutral to formal, making it suitable for diverse writing contexts, particularly in science, news, and business as highlighted by Ludwig. Remember to use it to clearly define the foundation upon which you are elaborating, but avoid using it loosely without a specific initial element. Consider alternatives like "as the initial basis" or "beginning with" to vary your phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the initial basis

Replaces "starting point" with "initial basis" to emphasize the foundational nature.

as the foundation

Replaces "starting point" with "foundation" to emphasize the foundational aspect.

beginning with

Uses a verb phrase to indicate the commencement from a certain point.

commencing from

Formal alternative that emphasizes the initiation from a particular point.

taking as a basis

Highlights the act of adopting something as the groundwork for further action.

using as a springboard

Suggests that the starting point propels further development.

on the basis of

Emphasizes the reliance on a certain factor to proceed.

from which to begin

Emphasizes directionality and the act of starting.

serving as an origin

Highlights the role of the starting point as a source or origin.

to take as one's premise

Highlights the action of selecting a premise as a starting point.

FAQs

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

You can use "as the starting point" to indicate the initial stage or foundation upon which something is built. For example, "We used the survey results "as the starting point" for our analysis."

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

Alternatives include "as the initial basis", "beginning with", or "commencing from", depending on the context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "as the starting point" and "as a starting point"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "as the starting point" usually refers to a specific, already defined element. "As a starting point" is more general and can introduce a new element being proposed as an initial basis.

Can "as the starting point" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "as the starting point" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, and professional contexts where a clear indication of the initial basis is necessary.