let me start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'let me start' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a topic, opinion or idea. Example: Let me start by saying that I'm excited to be here today.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Let me start over.

The New York Times - Books

Let me start.

The New Yorker

Let me start backwards.

The New York Times

Let me start again.

The Guardian - Film

Let me start with soap.

The New York Times

Let me start with Pitt.

The New York Times

Let me start taking questions.

The New Yorker

Let me start with Baroness Greenfield.

The New York Times

Let me start with a question.

The New York Times

Let me start at the beginning.

The New Yorker

Ariel, let me start with you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "let me start" to clearly signal the beginning of a new topic or explanation. This helps your audience follow your train of thought more easily.

Common error

Avoid starting every sentence or paragraph with "let me start". Vary your sentence structure and use alternative phrases to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "let me start" functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce a point, explanation, or new topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common way to signal the beginning of a discourse. Examples show its versatility in initiating discussions across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "let me start" is a grammatically sound and very common idiomatic expression used to signal the beginning of a discourse segment, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in "News & Media", it serves to introduce a new topic, provide context, or offer an explanation. While generally neutral in formality, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain settings. To enhance writing, avoid overuse and consider diversifying with alternatives like "to begin with" or "I'd like to begin". Prominent sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, underscoring its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let's begin

Slightly more informal and inclusive way to start a discussion.

I'd like to begin

A more direct and slightly less formal way to initiate a discussion.

I'll start by

Direct and clear way to indicate the starting point of an explanation.

to begin with

A common phrase that signals the start of a series of points.

I want to start by

Emphasizes the speaker's intention to begin with a specific point.

allow me to begin

More formal alternative that emphasizes permission or request.

first of all

Signals the beginning of a list or sequence of ideas.

if I may begin

A polite and slightly hesitant way to start, indicating deference.

permit me to commence

Highly formal and polite alternative, suitable for very formal settings.

where shall I begin

Implies thinking where to begin and creates curiosity.

FAQs

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

You can use "let me start" to introduce a new topic, provide context, or offer an explanation. For example, "Let me start by saying how grateful I am for this opportunity."

What are some alternatives to "let me start"?

You can use alternatives like "to begin with", "first of all", or "I'd like to begin" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "let me start" in formal writing?

While "let me start" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "allow me to begin" or "permit me to commence" may be more suitable for highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "let me start" and "let's start"?

"Let me start" is typically used by a single speaker to introduce their own perspective or explanation, while "let's start" is more inclusive and suggests a collaborative beginning or joint effort.