can begin with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can begin with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has the possibility of starting or being initiated with a specific element or word. Example: "The story can begin with a captivating first sentence that draws the reader in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We can begin with inquiry.

University of California, Berkeley

Fires can begin with spontaneous combustion.

The New York Times

We can begin with Comrade Kim Jong-il.

The New York Times

Participation in evil can begin with noble and selfless intentions.

The Economist

You can begin with very small periods of exercise.

The Guardian - Business

Now your day can begin with the strains of Bach, beach sounds or Bart Simpson.

The New York Times - Tech

So you're optimistic that something can begin with this? A. Yes we hope so.

The New York Times

Fee and dividend can begin with the countries now considering cap and trade.

The Guardian - Opinion

One can begin with what has been happening to cigarette sales.

The New Yorker

So I suppose we can begin with the question: Is McCann's conclusion na?? Ambivalent?

The New York Times

So I suppose we can begin with the question: Is McCann's conclusion naïve?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can begin with", ensure that the subsequent action or element is clearly defined and logically follows from the beginning. For example, "A successful project can begin with thorough planning."

Common error

Avoid using "can begin with" without specifying what exactly the process or action should start with. For example, instead of saying "Improvements can begin with something", specify "Improvements can begin with a detailed assessment of current processes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can begin with" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or suggestion, followed by a verb that describes initiation of action. Ludwig AI examples show its use in various contexts to suggest starting points.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

19%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can begin with" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to suggest a possible starting point for a process or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It appears most frequently in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating its broad acceptance across various registers. While generally neutral in tone, it can be replaced with more formal or informal alternatives depending on the desired level of formality. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure you specify exactly what the action should start with to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can start with

This is a direct synonym, replacing "begin" with "start" for a slightly more informal tone.

may commence with

This alternative uses "commence" instead of "begin", increasing the formality of the phrase.

could initiate with

Substituting "begin" with "initiate" introduces a more formal and deliberate start.

might launch with

Using "launch" implies a more active and purposeful beginning, often used in project or product contexts.

can originate in

This phrase focuses on the source or origin from which something starts, rather than the act of beginning itself.

can stem from

This suggests that something arises or develops from a particular source or cause.

can arise from

Similar to "stem from", this phrase indicates that something emerges or originates from a specific cause or situation.

can be rooted in

This implies a deeper, more fundamental origin or cause for something.

can take off with

This phrase implies rapid or successful beginning, or initiative.

can get underway with

This alternative puts emphasis on the action of starting, or getting started with something.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "can begin with"?

You can use alternatives like "can start with", "may commence with", or "could initiate with" depending on the context.

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

The phrase "can begin with" is used to suggest a starting point or initial step in a process or action. For example, "Solving the problem can begin with identifying the root cause."

Is "can begin with" formal or informal?

"Can begin with" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "may commence with" are available for highly formal writing.

What is the difference between "can begin with" and "should begin with"?

"Can begin with" suggests a possibility or option for starting, whereas "should begin with" implies a recommendation or necessity. "The project can begin with a pilot phase" suggests a possible starting point, while "The project should begin with a pilot phase" indicates a recommended starting point.