begins with it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begins with it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that starts or is initiated by a specific element or concept. Example: "The story begins with it, setting the tone for the entire narrative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It only begins with it.

The New York Times

That volume ended with his marriage to the Austrian photographer Inge Morath, and the present one begins with it.

The Guardian

His new novel begins with it: "There are times when my father's absence is as heavy as a child sitting on my chest".

The Guardian - Books

It begins with IT either misunderstanding what the business needs for a solution (or not even asking!) and building or buying the solution based on guesswork.

The Guardian

"Twelfth Night" begins with it ("If music be the food of love, play on") and ends with it (with Feste, the fool, singing "When that I was and a little tiny boy").

The New York Times - Arts

Mark Liberman of the Language Log blog and the University of Pennsylvania tried a brief experiment, choosing several pieces of "good" writing (both fiction and non-fiction) and "bad" writing (such as two winners of the "Bad Writing Contest" competition and an archetypally purple novel of 1830, "Paul Clifford", which begins with "It was a dark and stormy night").

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

To begin with, it's cheap.

The New Yorker

To begin with, it won't win.

The Economist

"To begin with, it was quite interesting.

Independent

He had begun with it.

The New York Times - Arts

To begin with, it takes longer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begins with it" to emphasize a starting point or initial action, making it clear that this is the foundation for subsequent events or ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "begins with it" when the referent of 'it' is not immediately obvious or has not been clearly established in the preceding context. Ensure clarity to prevent reader confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begins with it" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation point of an action, process, or narrative. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts, primarily within news and media.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "begins with it" is a grammatically sound phrase that introduces the initial stage of an event or concept, as affirmed by Ludwig. It is most commonly encountered in news and media contexts, with a neutral register, suitable for analytical discussions. Though less frequent, according to Ludwig, its correct usage ensures clear communication, emphasizing starting points. Remember to clearly define "it" to avoid ambiguity and to consider alternatives such as "starts with it" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starts with it

Focuses on the commencement or initiation of something.

commences with it

Emphasizes a formal start or beginning.

initiates with it

Highlights the act of starting or setting something in motion.

it starts from

Shifts the focus to the origin or source of the start.

it originates from

Highlights the source or point of origin.

it stems from

Indicates the root cause or origin of something.

it is triggered by

Focuses on the cause that sets something in motion.

it is born from

Emphasizes the creation or beginning from a specific source.

it is rooted in

Highlights the foundational element or base.

it derives from

Focuses on the derivation or origin of something.

FAQs

How can I use "begins with it" in a sentence?

Use "begins with it" to indicate the starting point or initial phase of a process, situation, or narrative. For example, "The recovery process "begins with it", setting the stage for long-term healing".

What are some alternatives to "begins with it"?

You can use alternatives like "starts with it", "commences with it", or "initiates with it" depending on the level of formality and specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "begins with it"?

Yes, the phrase ""begins with it"" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate a starting point. However, ensure the context makes the referent of "it" clear.

How does "begins with it" differ from "starts with it"?

While "starts with it" and ""begins with it"" are largely interchangeable, "begins" can sometimes carry a slightly more formal or deliberate connotation compared to "starts".