only the beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only the beginning" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It often indicates that something is just starting or that there is more to come. For example: - "Their journey together was only the beginning of a beautiful friendship." - "The first chapter of the book was only the beginning of the thrilling plot that unfolded." - "The renovations to the house were only the beginning of their plans to completely transform it." - "The first few notes of the song were only the beginning, the rest was even more powerful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is only the beginning.

The New York Times - Sports

"But it's only the beginning.

The Guardian

That was only the beginning.

The New York Times - Sports

Cloth is only the beginning.

The New York Times - Tech

Brackets are only the beginning.

The Economist

This was only the beginning.

The New York Times

"It is only the beginning".

The New York Times

"This is only the beginning," he said.

The New Yorker

And this is only the beginning.

The New York Times

But this is only the beginning.

Forbes

The videos, however, are only the beginning.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only the beginning" to create anticipation or emphasize that future developments are expected or intended.

Common error

Avoid using "only the beginning" when the described event is, in fact, the culmination or a significant end point. Ensure the context genuinely suggests future developments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only the beginning" functions primarily as a postpositional modifier, often following a noun or clause to suggest that what has occurred is merely an initial step in a longer process or series of events. As evidenced by Ludwig, this construction is widely used to create anticipation and set expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only the beginning" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, particularly in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to emphasize that a situation or event is just starting, suggesting future developments. While its register is generally neutral, you can consider using more formal synonyms in academic or scientific writing. The phrase is versatile, functioning as a postpositional modifier to create anticipation and set expectations. Remember to use it appropriately to avoid overstating the importance of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

merely the start

Replaces "beginning" with "start", suggesting a basic initial phase with potential for growth.

just the commencement

Substitutes "beginning" with "commencement", lending a more formal tone to the phrase.

simply the inception

Replaces "beginning" with "inception", emphasizing the initial creation or start of something.

solely the launch

Substitutes "beginning" with "launch", highlighting the act of setting something in motion.

barely underway

Shifts the focus to the process having just started, rather than the initial state.

the opening act

Uses a metaphor to depict the current situation as the introductory part of a larger event.

the initial phase

Replaces the entire phrase to focus on it is the first stage in development.

the dawn of

Employs a metaphorical expression, suggesting the start of a new era or development.

a mere prelude

Positions the current situation as a brief introduction to a more significant event to follow.

first steps only

Conveys the idea that only the very first actions have been taken, with much more to come.

FAQs

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

Use "only the beginning" to indicate that an event, action, or situation is just starting and more is expected to follow. For example, "This success is "only the beginning"; we plan to expand further."

What phrases are similar to "only the beginning"?

Similar phrases include "just the start", "merely the inception", or "simply the commencement", all suggesting that more is to come.

Is it acceptable to use "only the beginning" in formal writing?

Yes, "only the beginning" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "the prelude to" or "the dawn of" depending on the tone you want to convey.

What is the difference between "only the beginning" and "the end"?

"Only the beginning" implies a start with expectations of continuation, while "the end" signifies the termination or conclusion of something.