start with

USAGE SUMMARY

"start with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce a suggestion or to recommend an action. For example, "Let's start with a discussion of our financial goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Start with the economics.

The New York Times

Start with the artist.

The New Yorker

Start with revenue growth.

The New York Times

Let's start with Underpants.

The New Yorker

Start with culture.

The New York Times

Start with some oysters.

The New York Times - Travel

Start with the losers.

The Economist

Start with policing methods.

The Economist

Start with Social Security.

The New York Times

Start with your kids.

The New York Times

Let's start with résumés.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start with" to clearly indicate the initial step in a sequence of actions or instructions. This helps provide clarity and direction for the reader or listener.

Common error

Avoid using "start with" repeatedly in a short passage. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "begin by", "initiate with", or simply stating the action directly to avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start with" primarily functions as a directive, introducing the initial action or step in a process, sequence, or set of instructions. Ludwig examples show its frequent use across varied contexts to indicate where to begin.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

39%

News & Media

35%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start with" serves as a directive to indicate the initial step in a process. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various sources including WikiHow, The New York Times, and The Economist. While versatile, be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "begin by" or "commence with" for variation. It maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both informal and professional communication. When writing instructions, using "start with" is a solid way to guide your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin by

This alternative uses a different verb to convey the same action of initiating or commencing.

to begin

A simple and direct way to introduce the first step in a process.

commence with

This is a more formal synonym for "start with", suitable for professional or academic contexts.

initiate with

This alternative emphasizes the act of beginning or setting something in motion.

as a starting point

Indicates a foundational action or idea from which to develop further.

kick off with

This phrase is more informal and suggests a lively or energetic beginning.

lead with

This alternative suggests starting with a particular element or aspect.

open with

Similar to "start with", but often used when referring to a presentation or performance.

launch into

This suggests a more immersive beginning, often used when starting a discussion or activity.

first off

This is an informal way to indicate the initial step or action.

FAQs

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

"Start with" is used to introduce the first step in a process or a list of instructions. For example, "Start with gathering all the necessary materials before beginning the project."

What are some alternatives to "start with"?

You can use alternatives such as "begin by", "commence with", or "initiate with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "start with" or "begin with"?

Both "start with" and "begin with" are correct and can be used interchangeably in most contexts. "Begin with" might sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "start with" and "lead with"?

"Start with" generally indicates the first step in a sequence. "Lead with" implies highlighting or prioritizing a particular aspect or element at the beginning.