start off by saying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start off by saying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are initiating a discussion or making a statement. For example: "I'd like to start off by saying that I think we should all take a greater interest in politics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Let's start off by saying that I'm a Girls fan.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Actually, let me start off by saying yes.

The Guardian

And you should always start off by saying hello".

The New Yorker

"I'll start off by saying, it is not unconstitutional not to like someone.

The New York Times

And I would like it start off by saying that because that would be my intention.

The Washington Post

THE PRESIDENT: Well, look, I'd start off by saying just look at the statistics.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then again, he did have to start off by saying sorry.

The Guardian

"There are men," Mr. Smith said, "who start off by saying: 'Arboreal toads?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. D'Agostino starts off by saying, "Hello back there," addressing the passengers, and concludes with, "And tell your driver to take you to D'Agostino".

The New York Times

Apple starts off by saying unequivocally that Apple has never, and will never track the location of a customer's iPhone.

TechCrunch

You know when Georgina starts off by saying, "If my daughter ever walked out in New York in shorts that short," it's not a good start.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start off by saying" to clearly signal the beginning of your remarks, especially when transitioning between topics or presenting a series of points.

Common error

Avoid beginning every sentence or paragraph with "start off by saying" or similar phrases. This can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start off by saying" functions as an introductory element used to preface a statement or argument. It signals that the speaker is about to present their initial point or perspective. Ludwig examples show its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

15%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start off by saying" is a versatile and commonly used introductory phrase that helps speakers and writers clearly signal the beginning of a statement or argument. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted across various contexts. While it's a valuable tool for structuring your thoughts, remember to use it judiciously to avoid sounding repetitive. Explore alternative phrases like "begin by stating" or "first let me mention" to add variety to your writing and speech. Remember to clearly signal the beginning of your remarks, especially when transitioning between topics or presenting a series of points. By mastering the nuances of this phrase, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to begin with, I'd like to say

Adds a slight touch of formality and indicates a structured approach.

begin by stating

Focuses on the act of making a formal declaration or announcement at the beginning.

first, let me mention

Emphasizes the order of events, explicitly stating that it's the first point to be made.

first and foremost, I must say

Emphasizes the importance of the initial statement and the speaker's conviction.

initiate by mentioning

Emphasizes the act of introducing a topic or subject early in the conversation.

let me begin by pointing out

Highlights the act of drawing attention to a specific detail at the outset.

commence by observing

Highlights the act of making an initial observation or remark.

initially, I would state

Implies a formal setting and indicates the speaker's intention to present information.

preface with the remark

Focuses on introducing a statement with a preliminary comment or note.

introduce by noting

Highlights the act of bringing up a point or detail at the start.

FAQs

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

You can use "start off by saying" to introduce your initial thoughts or the first point you want to make in a discussion. For example, "I'd like to "start off by saying" that I appreciate everyone's hard work on this project."

What phrases are similar to "start off by saying"?

Similar phrases include "begin by stating", "first let me mention", or "to begin with, I'd like to say".

Is there a more formal alternative to "start off by saying"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "initially, I would state" or "let me begin by pointing out" for a more formal tone.

When is it appropriate to use "start off by saying"?

It's appropriate to use "start off by saying" when you want to clearly indicate that you are beginning a discussion, presenting an argument, or making an initial statement. It's often used to set the stage for what follows.