for a start

USAGE SUMMARY

"for a start" is a perfectly valid phrase that can be used in spoken and written English.
It is used to introduce the first of a series of points, ideas, or suggestions. For example: "For a start, let's brainstorm some ideas for our next project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a start.

The New Yorker

Location, for a start.

The New Yorker

Just for a start.

The New Yorker

Iraq, for a start.

The Economist

The "lobby", for a start.

The Economist

DVD retailers, for a start.

The New York Times

Trade wars, for a start.

The Economist

The design, for a start.

Independent

For a start: it's Batman.

Independent

For a start everybody argues.

Independent

Weak links, for a start.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for a start" to introduce the first of several points or reasons, creating a clear and organized flow of information for the reader.

Common error

Avoid beginning every point with "for a start" if you intend to make multiple arguments. While it's effective for the initial point, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Mix it up with alternatives like "to begin with" or "firstly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a start" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies the sentence by indicating the initial point or reason in a sequence of points. According to Ludwig AI, it’s a valid phrase. The examples in Ludwig demonstrate its role in introducing initial arguments or considerations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for a start" is a commonly used adverbial phrase to introduce the first point in a series, serving to initiate discussions and arguments. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is valid. Its neutral register and wide application across diverse source types—including news media, formal business writing, and scientific documents—highlight its versatility. When using "for a start", it’s beneficial to ensure the subsequent points are presented clearly to maintain a coherent flow of information. Overuse should be avoided to prevent redundancy, and alternatives should be considered to add variety to writing. The most frequent contexts are News & Media and Formal & Business, showing its prevalence in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for one thing

Similar in meaning to "for a start", it introduces a single reason or aspect among others.

to begin with

Emphasizes the commencement of a series of points, similar to "for a start" but can imply a more structured approach.

firstly

A straightforward way to introduce the first item in a list, providing a clear indication of order.

as a starting point

Highlights the idea as an initial basis for further discussion or action, suggesting a foundation to build upon.

in the first place

Emphasizes the priority or fundamental nature of the point being made.

initially

A more formal adverb indicating the first action or consideration in a sequence.

as an initial step

Suggests that the point is the first action in a series of steps to achieve a goal.

to initiate

A more formal way of indicating the beginning of a process or discussion.

in the initial phase

Highlights that the point belongs to the early stages of a project or process.

at the beginning

Focuses on the temporal aspect of starting something, suitable when describing a sequence of events.

FAQs

How can I use "for a start" in a sentence?

"For a start" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce the first in a series of points or reasons. For example, "For a start, we need to gather more data before making any decisions."

What phrases are similar to "for a start"?

Similar phrases include "to begin with", "firstly", "in the first place", and "for one thing". These phrases can be used interchangeably depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it okay to use "for a start though" in a sentence?

While grammatically sound, "for a start though" can sometimes sound redundant. The "though" can imply contrast or concession that might not be necessary. Consider whether adding "though" enhances or detracts from your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "for a start" and "at the start"?

"For a start" introduces the first in a series of points or arguments. "At the start" refers to the beginning of something, often a process or event. For example, "For a start, let's define our objectives." versus "At the start of the meeting, we reviewed the agenda."