good to begin with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good to begin with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is satisfactory or acceptable at the start of a discussion or evaluation. Example: "The project had its challenges, but it was good to begin with, setting a solid foundation for future improvements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Was the food even that good to begin with?

The New Yorker

"Nature made cotton pretty good to begin with," she said".

Independent

"The teams in the West are good to begin with," Carlesimo said.

The New York Times - Sports

Corn kernels are a revelation, assuming, of course, that the corn is good to begin with.

The New York Times - Magazine

When the opponent is not all that good to begin with, mismatches like yesterday's can happen.

The New York Times - Sports

Here's a confronting idea: what if the Sonic franchise was never that good to begin with?

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

These markets are a good place to look for organic goods to begin with, since many small farmers run organic farms.

WikiHow

The easiest way to get a good copy is to get a good photo to begin with.

WikiHow

If you have never played a video game in your entire life, its not a good idea to begin with the Expert Level of DDR Hottest Party, now is it?

WikiHow

It's normally a good idea to begin with a best friend, or someone who is good at accepting things that might seem a little different.

WikiHow

Provided they're good quality to begin with and have been well cared for, being used isn't usually an issue.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the initial state of a project or situation, use "good to begin with" to highlight the positive aspects that provide a strong foundation for future development.

Common error

Avoid using "good to begin with" when the initial state is only mediocre or has significant flaws. Be honest and accurate in your assessment to avoid misleading expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good to begin with" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its initial state or condition. As Ludwig suggests, it indicates that something is satisfactory or acceptable at the start.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "good to begin with" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a satisfactory initial state. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely used across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, remember to assess the situation accurately and avoid overstating the initial quality. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "promising start" or "solid foundation" might be more appropriate. By considering these nuances, you can effectively use "good to begin with" to convey satisfaction with initial conditions while avoiding common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

promising start

Focuses on the initial potential or expectation.

auspicious beginning

Emphasizes a fortunate or favorable start.

favorable initial conditions

Highlights the positive circumstances at the outset.

solid foundation

Stresses the strength and reliability of the starting point.

decent head start

Suggests an advantage gained early on.

well-founded from the outset

Indicates a strong basis or justification from the very beginning.

advantageous early stage

Highlights the beneficial aspects of the initial period.

positive preliminary phase

Emphasizes the favorable nature of the initial stage.

acceptable starting point

Indicates a level of sufficiency or permissibility at the beginning.

reasonable kick-off

Suggests a satisfactory or appropriate commencement.

FAQs

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

You can use "good to begin with" to describe something that has a positive initial state or provides a solid foundation. For example, "The data set was "good to begin with", making the analysis much easier."

What are some alternatives to "good to begin with"?

Alternatives include "promising start", "auspicious beginning", or "solid foundation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "good to begin with" in formal writing?

Yes, "good to begin with" is generally acceptable in formal writing, particularly when you want to emphasize that things start well, though more formal alternatives like "favorable initial conditions" might be preferred in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "good to begin with" and "good to start with"?

"Good to begin with" emphasizes the initial state or quality, while "good to start with" suggests something is suitable for initiating an action or project. While similar, the former focuses on the inherent quality at the beginning, whereas the latter focuses on suitability as a starting point.