please start with

USAGE SUMMARY

"please start with" is an appropriate and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to suggest that someone should begin an activity, presentation, or task with a particular point or item. For example, "Please start with describing the customer's needs for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

2. If girls want to fight wars, please start with the war on Christmas.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Can we make a start at claiming back our language please – starting with the Guardian not using the term gig economy any more but instead choosing something like "sweat-shop economy"?

The Guardian - Business

Follow Rob, send tweets and find out more about his TwiTrip at twitter.com/rob_fitzpatrick. Please start the tweet with @rob_fitzpatrick and, if possible add #Twitrip to it.

The Guardian - Travel

Can they please start by chillaxing with the Trainspotting DVD? There's a huge gap between the Ikea catalogue lifestyle and messy reality.

The Guardian

Please start your story with the words "The moment I knew I needed more sleep...".

Huffington Post

Please start your story with the words "The moment I knew I was depressed..."...

Huffington Post

Please start your story with the words "The moment I knew...".

Huffington Post

Each video should be 30-60 seconds long, and should feature only you, speaking right into the camera telling your story (just like Anna!) Please start your story with your name and the words "The moment I knew...".

Huffington Post

Please start your story with the words "The moment I knew I was a Chicagoan... .. We can't wait to hear about your up close and personal Chicago moments.

Huffington Post

Please share her with #wcw #womenofworth And please start the conversation.

Huffington Post

Please, please start doing this – could you please start reporting football matches with the scores in the middle of the game, as if that was the final score?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "please start with", ensure that the subsequent information directly relates to the starting point you are suggesting. This helps maintain clarity and focus for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "please start with" without clearly specifying what should be started with. Ambiguity can confuse your audience and defeat the purpose of providing initial guidance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please start with" primarily functions as a polite directive or suggestion. It is used to guide someone's initial approach to a task, discussion, or presentation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. This directive aims to establish a focal point from which further actions or thoughts can logically develop.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please start with" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that serves as a polite directive or suggestion for initiating a task or discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news media, science, and wiki sources, maintaining a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly specify the starting point to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "kindly begin with" or "I suggest beginning with" can provide variety. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "please start with" to provide clear and considerate guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kindly begin with

Replaces "please" with "kindly", maintaining a polite tone but sounding slightly more formal.

I suggest beginning with

Shifts the request to a suggestion, softening the imperative nature of the original phrase.

it would be helpful to start with

Introduces a sense of helpfulness or utility in starting with a particular item.

I recommend commencing with

Uses more formal vocabulary like "recommend" and "commencing", increasing the formality.

begin by addressing

Focuses on addressing a specific point or issue as the starting point.

first, consider

Emphasizes the act of considering something as the initial step.

let's initiate with

Invites collaboration by using "let's" to propose a starting point.

to begin, address

More direct command for starting but still keeps the essence of addressing.

start by focusing on

Highlights the need to focus on something specific at the beginning.

initially, tackle

Suggests "tackling" as the starting point for a task that involves some form of challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "please start with" in a sentence?

Use "please start with" to politely suggest an initial point for discussion or action. For example, "Please start with the customer's needs before discussing project scope."

What are some alternatives to "please start with"?

You can use alternatives like "kindly begin with", "I suggest beginning with", or "it would be helpful to start with" to vary your phrasing.

Is it always necessary to use "please" in the phrase "please start with"?

While not strictly necessary, including "please" adds a polite tone, making the request more considerate. Omitting "please" makes the request more direct, which may be appropriate in some contexts but less so in others.

What's the best way to follow up after using "please start with"?

After using "please start with", provide clear and concise instructions or context related to the suggested starting point. This ensures that the recipient understands the request and can act accordingly.