only the start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'only the start' is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to emphasize that something is just the beginning of something larger. For example, "I'm looking forward to learning more - this is only the start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's only the start".

The New York Times

The khakis are only the start.

The Economist

"Getting up is only the start!

The New Yorker

Incredibly, this is only the start.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet it was only the start.

The Guardian

But it is only the start.

The Economist

Sequestration is only the start.

University of California, Berkeley

But this was only the start.

The Economist

But that is only the start.

The Economist

But it's only the start.

The Guardian

Demonetization was only the start.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only the start" to create anticipation or indicate that a significant development is part of a larger, ongoing process. For example, when discussing initial results of a project, state, "These positive outcomes are "only the start"; further improvements are expected with continued effort".

Common error

Avoid using "only the start" in contexts where the initial accomplishment is already substantial and unlikely to be followed by further significant developments. This can create unrealistic expectations or diminish the value of the present achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only the start" functions as an adverbial phrase, typically modifying a verb or clause to indicate that the action or situation described is merely the beginning of something more significant. Ludwig AI shows that it's often used to create anticipation or imply further developments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only the start" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to emphasize the initial phase of an event or process. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used across various contexts, including News & Media and Academia, suggesting a neutral register. It serves to highlight that more is to come, setting expectations for future developments. Related phrases like "just the beginning" offer similar meanings, while guidance focuses on using the phrase appropriately to avoid overstating achievements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just the beginning

Replaces "only the start" with synonyms that emphasize the early stage of an event or process.

merely the beginning

Similar to "just the beginning", but adds a sense of something being insignificant on its own.

simply the beginning

Emphasizes the straightforward nature of something being in its initial phase.

the initial phase

More formal and specific, referring directly to a stage or period.

the first step

Highlights the action of starting something, focusing on initiation.

a mere prelude

Suggests that what has happened so far is insignificant compared to what is coming.

the opening act

Implies that what is currently happening is just a preliminary event.

but there's more to come

Shifts the focus to anticipation of future developments.

the tip of the iceberg

Highlights that the visible part is a small portion of a larger, hidden problem.

just scratching the surface

Focuses on how little has been done or revealed so far.

FAQs

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

You can use "only the start" to indicate that something is just the beginning of a larger process or series of events. For example, "This victory is "only the start"; we have many more challenges ahead".

What phrases are similar to "only the start"?

Similar phrases include "just the beginning", "merely the beginning", or "simply the beginning", all of which emphasize the early stage of something.

Is it correct to say "just the start" instead of "only the start"?

Yes, "just the start" is a perfectly acceptable and often interchangeable alternative to "only the start". Both phrases convey the same meaning.

What's the difference between "only the start" and "the beginning"?

"The beginning" is a more general term referring to the initial point of something. "Only the start" specifically emphasizes that the current state is just the initial phase and that more will follow.