let me begin

USAGE SUMMARY

"let me begin" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you wish to start an explanation, story, or other form of discourse. For example, "Let me begin by saying how much I appreciate the opportunity to speak here today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let me begin.

The New Yorker

Let me begin anew.

The New York Times

Let me begin with a prediction.

The Economist

Let me begin again as a speck.

The New Yorker

Let me begin at the end.

Harvard University

Let me begin with the MIT context.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let me begin by psychology of deduction.

Cornell University

Let me begin with some definitions.

Stanford University

Let me begin with an example.

The New York Times

Let me begin at the beginning.

The Guardian - Books

Let me begin with a confession.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let me begin" to clearly signal the start of a new topic, argument, or explanation to guide your audience.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "let me begin" in short pieces of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous; instead, vary your introductory phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let me begin" functions as a discourse marker, indicating the commencement of a new topic, explanation, or argument. It prepares the audience for what is to follow. Ludwig's examples show it is used across diverse contexts, providing a clear starting point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let me begin" serves as a versatile and commonly used introductory marker in English. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and effectively signals the commencement of a new topic or argument. It is employed across various contexts, from academic and formal settings to news media, maintaining a neutral register. While highly useful, it's important to avoid overuse, especially in shorter pieces of writing, and to consider varying your introductory phrases for a more engaging style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow me to start

This alternative uses 'allow' to convey permission or request, similar to 'let', but adds a slightly more formal tone.

permit me to commence

Replacing 'let' with 'permit' and 'begin' with 'commence' creates a more formal and polite tone.

I'd like to initiate

This option shifts the sentence structure, emphasizing the speaker's desire to start.

I will commence by

This option is more direct, indicating a firm intention to begin.

to begin with

This phrase is simpler and more concise, suitable for less formal contexts.

first and foremost

This emphasizes the primary importance of the initial point.

by way of introduction

This phrase explicitly states the introductory nature of the following remarks.

in the first place

This option highlights the sequential aspect of beginning a series of points.

at the outset

This alternative emphasizes the initial stage or starting point.

to set the stage

This is a more metaphorical way to indicate the start of an explanation or story.

FAQs

How can I use "let me begin" in a sentence?

"Let me begin" is typically used to introduce a new topic, argument, or section within a larger piece of writing or speech. For instance, "Let me begin by outlining the key points of this discussion."

What are some alternatives to "let me begin"?

Alternatives include phrases like "allow me to start", "to begin with", or "by way of introduction", each offering a slightly different nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "let me begin"?

It's appropriate to use "let me begin" when you want to clearly signal that you are starting something new, whether it's an explanation, an argument, or a story. It helps to guide the reader or listener and prepare them for what's to come.

What is the tone conveyed by using "let me begin"?

The phrase "let me begin" generally conveys a tone of authority and direction, signaling that the speaker or writer is about to take charge of the discourse. It can also suggest a sense of formality, depending on the context.