start by

USAGE SUMMARY

'start by' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the first step in a process. For example: "We recommend starting by making a list of all your potential resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Start by visiting bankrate.com.com

Forbes

"Start by asking questions".

Forbes

Start by saying 'Hey!

WikiHow

Start by encouraging nudity.

WikiHow

Start by experimenting.

WikiHow

Start by brainstorming ideas!

WikiHow

Start by emphasizing colors.

WikiHow

Start by sweeping.

WikiHow

Start by cuddling.

WikiHow

Start by looking cool.

WikiHow

Start by humming.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start by" to clearly indicate the initial action in a set of instructions or procedures. For instance, "To solve this issue, start by restarting your computer."

Common error

Avoid starting every sentence in a list of instructions with "start by". Vary your phrasing using alternatives like "begin with", "first", or simply stating the action directly to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start by" functions as an instructional marker, indicating the first step in a process or sequence of actions. Ludwig AI examples showcase its role in providing guidance, whether it's about approaching an old friend or cleaning wood stairs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

75%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start by" is a common phrase used to introduce the first step in a sequence of actions. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in instructional contexts such as wikis and how-to guides. While primarily neutral to informal, it effectively guides users through initial actions. For alternatives, consider phrases like ""begin with"" or ""commence by"" depending on the context and desired level of formality. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to vary sentence structure rather than overusing "start by" repeatedly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin with

Focuses on the commencement of an action or process.

as a first step

Clearly indicates the action is the initial measure in a series of actions.

commence by

A more formal alternative to "start by", suitable for professional contexts.

initiate by

Emphasizes the act of beginning or setting something in motion.

kick off with

An informal way to suggest beginning something, often used in project management.

open with

Suggests beginning a speech, presentation, or performance.

preface with

Indicates introducing something with preliminary remarks or information.

lead with

Implies prioritizing or emphasizing a particular element at the start.

first off

An informal way to denote the first step in a sequence.

in the first place

Highlights the primary or most important consideration at the beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "start by" in a sentence?

The phrase "start by" is used to introduce the first step in a series of actions. For example, "To bake a cake, "start by" preheating the oven."

What are some alternatives to "start by"?

Alternatives to "start by" include "begin with", "commence by", or "initiate by". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "start by" or "begin by"?

"Start by" and "begin by" are largely interchangeable. "Start by" is slightly more informal. The best choice depends on the tone you want to convey.

Can I use "start by" at the end of a sentence?

While grammatically possible, placing "start by" at the end of a sentence is uncommon and may sound awkward. It is generally better to use it to introduce the initial action.