it starts with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it starts with' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something is the beginning point of a series of events or components. For example: "It starts with a good idea and plenty of hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It starts with me".

The New York Times

It starts with competence.

The New York Times

"It starts with John Kemp.

The New York Times

It starts with strength.

The New York Times

It starts with us.

The New York Times

It starts with isolation.

The New Yorker

It starts with education.

Princeton University

It starts with The Exercise.

The New York Times

It starts with several advantages.

The Economist

"It starts with your leader".

The New York Times - Sports

It starts with your quarterback.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the element following "it starts with" is a clear and actionable item, providing a concrete starting point.

Common error

Avoid using "it starts with" if you cannot clearly define the subsequent element. A vague or abstract starting point undermines the phrase's purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it starts with" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling the beginning of a process, explanation, or list. Ludwig's examples show how it's used to highlight the initial and most important aspect of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

23%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it starts with" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to introduce a foundational element or initial step. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's widely applicable across diverse contexts, from news and media to formal business communications. To use it effectively, ensure that the element following the phrase is clear and actionable. While similar phrases like "it all begins with" and "the first step is" offer nuanced alternatives, "it starts with" remains a straightforward and widely understood choice for emphasizing beginnings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it all begins with

This alternative emphasizes the totality of what follows originates from the specified starting point.

the first step is

This alternative directly identifies an action needed to start a process.

it originates from

This alternative focuses on the initial source or cause of something.

the key is

This alternative highlights the crucial element needed to initiate or ensure success.

the foundation is

This alternative highlights the base or support that enables further development.

it hinges on

This alternative suggests that everything depends on a particular element.

the root of the matter is

This alternative emphasizes uncovering the underlying cause or central issue.

it depends on

This alternative shows that a determined element is influenced or depends on something else.

the genesis is

This is a formal alternative that specifies the starting point.

to begin with

This alternative acts as an introductory phrase to list the first item on the list.

FAQs

How can I use "it starts with" in a sentence?

Use "it starts with" to introduce the foundational element or initial step necessary for a particular outcome. For example, "It starts with dedication and hard work to achieve success".

What phrases are similar to "it starts with"?

Similar phrases include "it all begins with", "the key is", or "the first step is", each conveying a slightly different nuance regarding initiation or dependency.

Is it correct to say "it starts from" instead of "it starts with"?

While "starts from" can indicate a beginning point, "it starts with" is often preferred when the focus is on an initial component or action rather than a location. "Starts from" implies a source or origin, whereas "starts with" implies an initial element or method.

Can I use "it starts with" in formal writing?

Yes, "it starts with" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing contexts. Its simplicity and clarity make it versatile across various registers, as demonstrated by its frequent use in news articles and business documents.