begins with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begins with" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate the start of something. For example: "This story begins with an old man walking into a bar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It begins with desolation.

The New York Times - Arts

It begins with dislocation.

The New York Times

Darwinism begins with dogs.

The New Yorker

— begins with him.

The New York Times - Sports

It begins with drought.

Independent

"Death begins with the shoes".

The New Yorker

The story begins with money.

The New York Times - Books

It begins with great promise.

The New York Times - Books

It begins with asking questions.

Independent

"Begins with 'O"' he said.

The New York Times

Real change begins with doing".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the steps in a procedure, use "begins with" to introduce the first step.

Common error

Avoid using "begins with" when you intend to describe a component that is part of a larger process. Instead, specify that it is just one aspect, rather than the starting point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begins with" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the starting point, initial element, or first step in a sequence or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage. For instance, the example "It begins with desolation" illustrates this function clearly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "begins with" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to introduce the starting point or initial step in a sequence or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's essential to use it accurately to avoid scope confusion. Remember to use "starts with" or "commences with" as alternatives, depending on the desired level of formality. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively incorporate "begins with" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starts with

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the initiation of an action or process.

commences with

This alternative is a more formal synonym, suitable for official or literary contexts.

initiates with

This alternative is emphasizes the act of setting something in motion.

originates in

This alternative highlights the source or initial location of something.

is rooted in

This alternative emphasizes the underlying foundation or cause of something.

stems from

This alternative suggests a causal relationship, where something develops or arises from a particular source.

is predicated on

This alternative is indicates that something is based or dependent on a particular assumption or condition.

is inaugurated by

This alternative suggests a formal or ceremonial beginning.

is triggered by

This alternative is emphasize the event or action that sets off a sequence of events.

finds its genesis in

This alternative is a more literary and emphatic way of describing the origin or beginning of something.

FAQs

How do I use "begins with" in a sentence?

Use "begins with" to introduce the initial stage, element, or action in a series or process. For example, "The recipe "begins with" chopping the vegetables."

What can I say instead of "begins with"?

You can use alternatives like "starts with", "commences with", or "initiates with" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "begins with" or "begin with"?

"Begins with" is used when the subject is singular, while "begin with" is used with plural subjects or 'I' or 'you'. For example, "The class begins with a lecture" versus "We begin with a review".

Is it appropriate to use "begins with" in formal writing?

Yes, ""begins with"" is appropriate for formal writing. While "commences with" is more formal, "begins with" is versatile and suitable for most formal contexts.