begin with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the starting point of a process, discussion, or sequence of events. Example: "To understand the concept better, let's begin with the basic definitions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's begin with "rush".

The New York Times

Begin with the seats.

The New Yorker

Let's begin with inexperience.

The New York Times

Let's begin with economics.

The New Yorker

Begin with your fingers.

The New Yorker

We begin with Schreiber.

The New York Times

Ethiopia, to begin with.

The Economist

Let's begin with ethics.

The New York Times

Let's begin with France.

Forbes

We begin with him.

SEP

Let's begin with concord.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, using "begin with" helps clearly define the first step in a sequence, ensuring the reader understands the correct order of operations.

Common error

Avoid replacing "with" with other prepositions like "at" or "by". Always use "begin with" to indicate the starting point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin with" functions as a directive, indicating a starting point or initial action within a sequence or process. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its role in guiding actions and discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

31%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "begin with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the starting point of a process, discussion, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides a multitude of real-world examples across various domains. While "start with" serves as a close synonym, "begin with" carries a slightly more formal tone. As Ludwig's analysis reveals, it's most commonly found in Wiki and News & Media contexts, making it a versatile choice for instructional and explanatory writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start with

This is the most direct synonym, indicating the commencement of an action or process.

commence with

This alternative is more formal and suggests a deliberate beginning.

initiate with

This implies a more active or formal start to a process or discussion.

lead with

Suggests starting with a particular point or example to guide the discussion.

kick off with

This is an informal option, suggesting an energetic and quick start.

open with

Indicates beginning a presentation, speech, or performance.

preface with

Implies beginning with introductory remarks or context.

inaugurate with

This is a very formal way to express beginning, often for ceremonies or significant events.

get underway with

This emphasizes the start of a process or journey.

set off with

This alternative gives a sense of beginning a journey or adventure.

FAQs

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

You can use "begin with" to introduce the first step in a process or to initiate a discussion. For example, "Let's "begin with" the introduction" or ""Begin with" the basics".

What are some alternatives to "begin with"?

Some alternatives to "begin with" include "start with", "commence with", or "initiate with" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it more formal to say "begin with" or "start with"?

"Begin with" is generally considered slightly more formal than "start with", although both are widely acceptable. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing between the two.

What's the difference between "begin with" and "end with"?

"Begin with" indicates the starting point, while "end with" refers to the concluding action or element. They are used to define the boundaries of a sequence or process.