only a beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only a beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is just starting or that there is much more to come after the initial phase. Example: "This project is only a beginning; we have many more phases to complete before it's finished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But it's only a beginning.

The New York Times

It was only a beginning.

The New Yorker

But that was only a beginning.

The New York Times - Sports

It's only a beginning, Marion said.

The New Yorker

But such things are only a beginning.

The Economist

But this is only a beginning.

The New York Times

Recruitment is only a beginning.

Stanford University

This is only a beginning.

The Washington Post

But this would be only a beginning.

The New York Times

But it is only a beginning.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This has halted, and in some cases reversed, the trend towards ever earlier retirement.But that is only a beginning.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only a beginning" to temper expectations when introducing a new initiative or development. It acknowledges progress while setting the stage for future efforts.

Common error

Avoid using "only a beginning" when the subject has already achieved significant milestones. Instead, emphasize the current progress and future potential without downplaying accomplishments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only a beginning" serves as a qualifier, typically following a statement of fact to temper expectations or highlight the potential for future development. It emphasizes that the described situation or achievement is not the end, but rather an initial step. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is used to frame events as early stages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only a beginning" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to signify that something is in its early stages and more is expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to manage expectations and encourage continued effort. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, this phrase tempers the present achievements by hinting at future advancements. Alternatives include "just a starting point" and "merely the first step". When using "only a beginning", ensure that the subject truly has room for growth to avoid misrepresenting the current state of affairs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a starting point

Emphasizes the role as an initial step.

just scratching the surface

Emphasizes how much is left to explore or do.

merely the first step

Highlights the small size or importance of the action.

the tip of the iceberg

Indicates that there's a lot more hidden or to come.

simply the introduction

Focuses on its role as a preliminary stage.

a nascent stage

Emphasizes the early, developing nature of something.

but a foundation

Highlights its significance as something to build upon.

the opening chapter

Frames it as the beginning of a longer narrative.

a mere glimpse

Indicates that what is seen is brief and incomplete.

hardly the end

Suggests that much more will follow.

FAQs

How can I use "only a beginning" in a sentence?

Use "only a beginning" to indicate that something is in its early stages and that more development or progress is expected. For instance, "This investment is "only a beginning"; we anticipate further expansion in the coming years".

What are some alternatives to "only a beginning"?

You can use alternatives like "just a starting point", "merely the first step", or "simply the introduction depending on the context".

In what situations is it best to use "only a beginning"?

It's best to use "only a beginning" when you want to acknowledge that something has started but has a long way to go, or to manage expectations about the current state of progress.

What does "the tip of the iceberg" mean, and how is it similar to "only a beginning"?

The phrase "the tip of the iceberg" means that what is visible is just a small part of something much larger. Like "only a beginning", it suggests that there is much more to come or be revealed.