just the beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

'just the beginning' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that there is a lot more to come, or that something is only the beginning of a larger process. For example: "This is just the beginning of our journey; there is still so much to explore!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's just the beginning".

The New York Times

And that's just the beginning.

The New York Times - Arts

"Just the beginning," he says.

The Economist

That is just the beginning.

The New York Times

Charades were just the beginning.

The New Yorker

It is just the beginning".

The New York Times - Arts

Scheer is just the beginning.

The New York Times - Travel

Kernza is just the beginning.

The New York Times

"This is just the beginning".

The New York Times

That was just the beginning.

The New York Times

Gravel is just the beginning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just the beginning" to create anticipation or emphasize the potential for future developments. For example, in a business context, it can highlight growth opportunities.

Common error

Avoid using "just the beginning" in a way that diminishes the significance of present accomplishments. Ensure the context acknowledges current value while indicating future potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just the beginning" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a predicative expression. It signifies that a current state or event is only the initial part of a more extensive sequence or development, as affirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Reference

5%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just the beginning" is a versatile noun phrase indicating that a current event is only the start of something larger. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, making it suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to formal business communications. Its neutral register ensures broad applicability. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist frequently employ the phrase to emphasize anticipation and future potential. When writing, use "just the beginning" to highlight that the current situation is a precursor to more significant developments and avoid diminishing current achievements by overemphasizing future possibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely the start

Replaces "just" with "merely", emphasizing the limited extent of the current phase.

only the commencement

Uses more formal synonyms for "just" and "beginning", increasing the formality.

the initial phase

Focuses on the idea of an early stage in a process or project.

a mere prelude

Implies that what is happening now is a preparation for something greater.

the opening act

Draws an analogy to a performance, suggesting more significant events will follow.

the tip of the iceberg

Suggests that the visible part is only a small fraction of the total situation.

the dawn of something

Implies the start of a new era or significant development.

the genesis

Indicates the origin or creation point of something.

the kickoff

Metaphorically used to suggest the start of something energetic and sustained.

the very first step

Emphasizes that this is the earliest stage in a series of actions.

FAQs

How can I use "just the beginning" in a sentence?

You can use "just the beginning" to indicate that a current event or situation is only the start of something bigger. For example, "The initial investment is "just the beginning"; we anticipate significant growth in the coming years."

What phrases can I use instead of "just the beginning"?

Alternatives include "merely the start", "only the commencement", or "the initial phase". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is it appropriate to use "just the beginning" in formal writing?

While "just the beginning" is versatile, consider more formal alternatives like "only the commencement" or "the initial stage" in highly formal contexts such as academic papers or legal documents.

What's the difference between "just the beginning" and "the tip of the iceberg"?

"Just the beginning" implies that more will follow, whereas "the tip of the iceberg" suggests that the visible part is a small indication of a larger, hidden problem or situation.