start with this

USAGE SUMMARY

"start with this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something should be done first in a certain order, or that an action should be undertaken as a starting point for a larger task. For example, "Let's start with this piece of the puzzle and go from there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"You can start with this", she replied.

The Guardian - Opinion

We'll start with this one".

The New Yorker

Start with this: Relax.

The New York Times - Food

You might start with this retrospective piece.

The New York Times

Let's start with this past weekend.

The New York Times - Magazine

So let's start with this.

Yale University

Start with this core group.

Harvard Business Review

Start with this number: 3,500.

Harvard University

You may start with this Excel template.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Guardian: Let's start with this year's games.

The Guardian - Sport

First, let's start with this year's NewFront location.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions or recommendations, use "start with this" to clearly indicate the initial step, ensuring a logical progression for the reader or listener.

Common error

Avoid using "start with this" in overly simple or obvious situations. Simpler phrases like "begin here" or direct imperatives can be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start with this" primarily functions as an imperative, directing the audience to begin with a specific action, item, or piece of information. As Ludwig AI states, it’s correct and usable in written English. Examples found by Ludwig illustrate its versatility in offering clear guidance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

14%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "start with this" serves as a common and versatile imperative, used to direct attention to an initial action or piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Analysis reveals a neutral to slightly informal register, making it suitable for various contexts, with a particularly strong presence in news media and academic writing. To enhance clarity, avoid overusing it in simplistic contexts. When a more formal tone is required, alternatives like "commence with this" or "initiate with this" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin here

This alternative offers a more concise way to indicate the starting point.

let's begin with this

Adds a collaborative tone by including "let's".

commence with this

Replaces "start" with a more formal synonym, "commence".

initiate with this

Similar to "commence with this", using "initiate" adds a layer of formality.

we'll initiate with this

Similar to "let's begin with this" but with "we'll" to make it more collaborative.

firstly, consider this

Introduces a point for consideration before other actions.

take this as a starting point

Expands the phrase to explicitly mention the 'starting point'.

to begin, use this

Similar to QUERY but with a different sentence construction.

the first step is this

Highlights the sequential nature by explicitly mentioning it as the 'first step'.

kick off with this

Introduces a more informal and dynamic way to begin.

FAQs

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

You can use "start with this" to introduce the first step in a series of actions, such as, "If you want to learn programming, "start with this" tutorial."

What are some alternatives to "start with this"?

Alternatives include "begin here", "let's begin with this", or "the first step is this", depending on the context and desired tone.

Is it appropriate to use "start with this" in formal writing?

While "start with this" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "commence with this" or "initiate with this" may be more suitable for highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "start with this" and "begin with this"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable, but "start with this" might be perceived as slightly more informal than "begin with this". The choice often depends on personal preference and the overall tone of the writing.