let's start with

USAGE SUMMARY

"let's start with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is primarily used to introduce a topic or a new activity, often as an alternative to phrases such as "begin with" or "first of all". For example: "Let's start with some basic math problems before we move on to more complex ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's start with Underpants.

The New Yorker

Let's start with résumés.

The New York Times

Let's start with finance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Let's start with design.

The New York Times - Tech

Let's start with "Madeline".

The New York Times

Let's start with complicated.

The New York Times

Let's start with phones.

The New York Times

Let's start with Zimbabwe.

The New York Times

Let's start with the logic.

The New York Times

Let's start with my salary.

The New York Times

Let's start with the past.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let's start with" to clearly signal the beginning of a discussion, list, or process. It helps the audience follow your train of thought.

Common error

Avoid using "let's start with" in highly formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "to begin with" or "initially" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let's start with" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling the beginning of a discussion, explanation, or a series of actions. As Ludwig examples show, it sets the stage for what will be addressed first.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "let's start with" is a grammatically correct and highly common introductory phrase used to signal the beginning of a discussion, process, or series of steps. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in highly formal or academic writing, where more sophisticated alternatives may be preferred. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, making it a reliable choice for initiating conversations and structuring information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we'll begin by

This alternative is more direct and active, suggesting immediate action.

to begin with

This alternative is a more formal way of introducing the first point.

firstly

This alternative is suitable for structured arguments or lists.

in the first place

This alternative emphasizes the order of points being made.

initially

This alternative focuses on the starting point in a sequence or process.

as a starting point

This alternative indicates a beginning for further exploration or discussion.

for starters

This alternative is more informal and casual.

by way of introduction

This alternative is used to introduce a topic before delving deeper.

to kick things off

This alternative is highly informal and suitable for relaxed settings.

the logical first step

This alternative implies that there is a sensible order to things.

FAQs

How can I use "let's start with" in a sentence?

You can use "let's start with" to introduce the first topic in a discussion, such as, "Let's start with the basics before moving on to advanced concepts."

What are some alternatives to "let's start with"?

Alternatives include "to begin with", "firstly", or "initially", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it okay to use "let's start with" in academic writing?

While acceptable, "let's start with" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "to begin with" or "initially".

What is the difference between "let's start with" and "we should start with"?

"Let's start with" is a suggestion including both the speaker and the audience, while "we should start with" is a recommendation that may or may not include the speaker. The first option is therefore generally more inclusive than the second.