i will begin with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I will begin with" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce the topic or subject of a discussion. For example, if you were writing a report on the effects of certain economic policies, you might start off the report with: "I will begin with an overview of the current economic situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

I will begin with a reminiscence.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I will begin with the troubling part.

Yale University

First, I will begin with the collection of human intelligence.

The Washington Post

I will begin with a discussion of the Parliamentary motivations underlying the foreign banking laws.

Columbia University

I will begin with an overview of some related concepts in functional programming.

University of California, Berkeley

Outdated as my "old school" approach may be, I will begin with the proposed statutory language.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

I'll begin with an anecdote.

The New Yorker

I'll begin with the internal factor.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I'll begin with senior executives.

Harvard Business Review

I'll begin with myself and then Senator Specter.

The Washington Post

It's been a season of statistics, so I'll begin with some statistics.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I will begin with" in formal writing, ensure that it aligns with the overall tone and style of the document. In less formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "let's start with" or "to start off with" to better suit the tone.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "I will begin with". This can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Vary your sentence structure by using different introductory phrases or transitioning smoothly between points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I will begin with" functions as an introductory marker, signaling the start of a discussion, presentation, or written piece. As shown in Ludwig, the phrase serves to orient the audience by establishing the initial focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

35%

News & Media

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"I will begin with" is a versatile phrase used to clearly signal the initiation of a topic or discussion, predominantly found in academic, news, and scientific contexts. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and serves to guide the audience by setting a clear starting point. While it is generally neutral in register, more formal or informal alternatives like "to commence with" or "let's start with" may be more suitable depending on the context. To enhance writing quality, it's important to avoid overuse and vary sentence structure by incorporating different introductory phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to start off with

Similar in meaning but emphasizes the initiation of something.

let's start with

Offers a more informal and conversational tone.

to commence with

Replaces "I will begin" with a more formal and slightly archaic equivalent.

i'd like to open with

Introduces a personal preference for the starting point.

firstly

Provides a concise and direct way to indicate the initial point.

i'm going to lead with

Indicates a strategic choice of the initial topic.

initially

Highlights the starting point in a sequence or discussion.

the first thing i'll discuss is

Specifies that you'll discuss something first.

my initial point is

Emphasizes that your first point will be important.

to kick things off

Adds an informal and energetic tone to the introduction.

FAQs

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

You can use "I will begin with" to introduce the first topic or point you want to discuss, for example, "I will begin with a brief overview of the project's goals." It's a clear way to signal the start of your presentation or writing.

What are some alternatives to "I will begin with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "let's start with", "to start off with", or "firstly". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is it okay to use "I will begin with" in academic writing?

Yes, "I will begin with" is acceptable in academic writing, especially when outlining your approach or structuring your argument. However, ensure it aligns with the overall formality of your piece. In highly formal contexts, "to commence with" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "I will begin with" and "I will start with"?

The phrases "I will begin with" and "I will start with" are largely interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation. Both serve to indicate the initiation of a topic or action.