before I begin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "before I begin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a new topic, idea, or activity. For example: "Before I begin, I'd like to thank everyone for attending this meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And before I begin — calculus isn't easy.

The New York Times

Before I begin, let me say this.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Before I begin, I will give my standard disclaimer.

Columbia University

Before I begin, I should declare a lack of interest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Before I begin, I'll go out to see things firsthand.

The New York Times - Science

Before I begin, I want to say a few words about the situation in Syria.

The New York Times

Dear All: Before I begin, I'd like to apologize for sending a mass e-mail.

The New Yorker

Before I begin, I think we should pause to remember the slain students in China.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Before I begin, I would ask you to indulge me in three acknowledgments.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Before I begin, let me get one thing out of the way.

The Guardian

Before I begin, I'd like to apologize for sending a mass e-mail.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "before I begin" to clearly signal the start of a new section, topic, or argument in your writing or speech. This provides a smooth transition for your audience.

Common error

Avoid starting every paragraph or point with "before I begin". Vary your introductions to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "before I begin" functions as an introductory expression or discourse marker. It signals to the audience or reader that the speaker or writer is about to commence a new topic, section, or activity. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to prepare the audience for what is to follow.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "before I begin" is a grammatically sound and commonly used introductory marker across diverse fields such as news, academia, and science. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to signal the start of a new topic or activity, offering a smooth transition for the audience. While versatile, varying your introductory phrases to avoid repetition is advisable. Consider alternatives such as "before starting" or "to start with" to enhance clarity and engagement. Remember that, while generally neutral, the tone leans toward professional, fitting well in structured communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

before starting

Slightly less formal and more direct.

to start with

Offers a casual and conversational introduction.

to preface this

Highlights the act of providing introductory remarks.

prior to commencing

More formal and emphasizes a legal or official tone.

by way of introduction

Focuses on providing an introductory statement.

at the outset

Emphasizes the very beginning or initial stage.

as a prelude

Suggests an event or remark that precedes a more significant one.

firstly

Highlights the start in a numbered or listed sequence.

initially

Focuses on what happens at the beginning.

at the inception

Emphasizes the creation or starting point of something.

FAQs

How can I use "before I begin" in a sentence?

You can use "before I begin" to introduce a speech, a presentation, or a new topic in writing. For example, "Before I begin, I'd like to thank our sponsors."

What are some alternatives to "before I begin"?

Alternatives include "before starting", "to start with", or "at the outset". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "before I begin"?

While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Ensure variety by using different introductory phrases.

What's the difference between "before I begin" and "before I started"?

"Before I begin" indicates a future action (the beginning), whereas "before I started" refers to something in the past. For example, "Before I begin, let's review the agenda" vs. "Before I started, I made sure all the equipment was ready."