it is only the beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is only the beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is just starting and that more developments or events are expected to follow. Example: "After the successful launch of our new product, I can confidently say that it is only the beginning of our journey towards innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is only the beginning".

The New York Times

It is only the beginning of January.

The New York Times

One senses, gratifyingly, it is only the beginning.

Independent

"But," he said, "it is only the beginning".

The New York Times

But it is only the beginning of something bigger".

The Guardian

In fact, analysts say it is only the beginning.

The Guardian - Business

"I am of the belief that it is only the beginning".

The New York Times

As enormous as the news collection is, it is only the beginning, Mr. Kahle said.

The New York Times

The genetics are beautiful," Dr. Bargmann added, "But it is only the beginning.

The New York Times - Science

Chicago was a critical step, but it is only the beginning.

The New York Times

The speed of ignition shocks people – citizens and firefighters alike – but it is only the beginning.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is only the beginning" to create anticipation and excitement about future developments. For example, "The project has achieved initial success, but "it is only the beginning", with much more to come."

Common error

While "it is only the beginning" is effective, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using alternatives like "this is just the start" or "more is yet to come" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is only the beginning" serves as an idiomatic expression, functioning to emphasize the nascent stage of a process, event, or development. Ludwig confirms its usability, highlighting its role in indicating that more is expected to follow. It often acts as a qualifier, tempering expectations and signaling future potential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is only the beginning" is a common idiomatic expression used to convey that something has just started and more is expected to follow. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its usage is frequent across various contexts, particularly in news and media, where it serves to set expectations and foster anticipation. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "this is just the start" to maintain reader engagement. In summary, the phrase is a valuable tool for signaling potential and encouraging continued effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is just the start

Emphasizes the initial phase of an event or process.

we're just getting started

Highlights the commencement of an activity with anticipation of future developments.

it's merely the commencement

Stresses the basic start of anything.

the dawn of something new

Suggests the emergence of a novel development or era.

the inception only

Focuses on the initial stage of something.

the genesis just begun

Highlights the initial creation or origin.

a nascent stage still

Underlines the early and developing nature of something.

the kickoff is here

Indicates the start of an event or process.

the opening act exclusively

Emphasizes that only the initial part has been shown.

just scratching the surface

Implies that only a small part of something has been explored or addressed.

FAQs

What does "it is only the beginning" mean?

The phrase "it is only the beginning" means that something has just started, and there are more developments, events, or progress expected in the future. It suggests potential and anticipation for what is to come.

How can I use "it is only the beginning" in a sentence?

You can use "it is only the beginning" to emphasize that an initial achievement or event is just the first step in a longer process. For instance, "The first sale is exciting, but "it is only the beginning" of our journey to success."

What can I say instead of "it is only the beginning"?

You can use alternatives like "this is just the start", "we're just getting started", or "more is yet to come" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "that was just the beginning" instead of "it is only the beginning"?

Yes, "that was just the beginning" is a grammatically correct and contextually appropriate alternative, particularly when referring to a past event. The choice depends on whether you're referring to something ongoing ("it is only the beginning") or reflecting on a past event's initial stage ("that was just the beginning").