begin by stating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin by stating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a point or argument in a clear and structured manner. Example: "In this essay, I will begin by stating the main reasons for the decline in biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Let's begin by stating the obvious: David Conrad is no Kenneth Branagh.

The New York Times

Thus I ought to begin by stating my reasons to hope for victory by John Kerry and John Edwards.

The Guardian

"We begin by stating simply that there is no evidence for structures such as neurons, synapses or a brain in plants," the authors wrote.

The New Yorker

Before you take a breath of sarcasm thinking "here she goes, excusing the criminals with some sob story", I want to begin by stating two things.

Independent

Let me begin by stating that Olivia has never once, in the entire time I've lived in this apartment, closed her bedroom curtains.

The New Yorker

So why does she begin by stating "how startled I was when a young woman I was interviewing told me that God had spoken to her, audibly" (especially given that she and others cited, are "prayer warriors")?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Writing the majority ruling, Judge James Wynn began by stating that the "right to vote is fundamental".

The Guardian

I began by stating the obvious: we were in Iran at a pivotal moment.

The Guardian

Chávez usually begins by stating the date and saying, "Aló Presidente!" then grinning and giving himself a round of applause.

The New York Times - Magazine

Zeinobia began by stating: "The Egyptian revolution did not happen because of the WikiLeaks cables about Egypt and Mubarak.

The New York Times

They began by stating that the church in England had become subservient to her "stepmother the great church of Rome".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "begin by stating", ensure that the statement is concise and directly relevant to the topic at hand. Avoid ambiguity or unnecessary complexity in the initial statement.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "begin by stating" throughout your writing. Vary your introductory phrases by using alternatives like "let's start with", "firstly", or "initially" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin by stating" functions as an introductory phrase. It signals the commencement of an explanation, argument, or discussion by explicitly indicating that a statement is about to be made. Ludwig AI showcases numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "begin by stating" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to introduce a pivotal statement or assertion at the onset of a discussion. As indicated by Ludwig, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While the Ludwig AI identifies it as a correct expression, it's important to vary your introductory phrases to avoid redundancy in writing. Alternatives such as "start by saying" or "initiate by declaring" can be used depending on the desired tone and formality. This phrase serves to clarify the initial position and guide the audience's understanding, making it a valuable tool in various communication contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start by saying

Replaces "stating" with "saying", suggesting a more informal or conversational tone.

initiate by declaring

Substitutes "begin" with "initiate" and "stating" with "declaring", adding a more formal and assertive tone.

commence by asserting

Uses "commence" instead of "begin" and "asserting" in place of "stating", creating a more formal and emphatic expression.

firstly, let's establish

Introduces a sequential element ("firstly") and replaces "begin by stating" with "let's establish", making it more conversational and collaborative.

let's start with the proposition

Replaces "begin by stating" with "let's start with the proposition", focusing on presenting a specific idea or argument from the outset.

to begin with, let us mention

Adds the introductory phrase "to begin with" and replaces "stating" with "mention", offering a slightly more elaborate and gentle introduction.

at the outset, I want to declare

Uses "at the outset" for a formal opening and "declare" instead of "state", emphasizing a clear and firm announcement.

let me preface by saying

Uses "preface" to indicate an introductory remark before the main point, making it suitable for potentially sensitive or complex topics.

initially, let's acknowledge

Starts with "initially" to highlight the starting point and "acknowledge" to signal recognition of a fact or situation before moving forward.

for starters, I'll point out

Uses the informal expression "for starters" and replaces "state" with "point out", making it a casual way to introduce an initial observation.

FAQs

How can I use "begin by stating" in a sentence?

You can use "begin by stating" to introduce a primary point or declaration. For example, "I will "begin by stating" that the evidence overwhelmingly supports the hypothesis."

What are some alternatives to "begin by stating"?

Alternatives include "start by saying", "initiate by declaring", or "commence by asserting", depending on the context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "begin by stating" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "begin by stating" when you want to clearly and directly introduce a key point, argument, or definition at the start of a discussion or document. This helps to provide clarity and focus for the reader.

What's the difference between "begin by stating" and "start by mentioning"?

"Begin by stating" implies a more formal and direct presentation of a fact or opinion, while "start by mentioning" suggests a more casual and less emphatic introduction of a topic or detail. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.