starting from

USAGE SUMMARY

"starting from" is a perfectly acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when you want to indicate the beginning of something or to indicate the point from which something is measured, counted, or discussed. For example: "Starting from the bottom of the hill, the path will take you directly to the summit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You're starting from scratch.

The New York Times

"Starting from being articulate".

The New York Times

"We're starting from square one".

The New York Times

We are starting from scratch".

The New Yorker

They are starting from behind.

The New York Times

Everyone is starting from scratch".

The New York Times

We're not starting from scratch.

The New York Times - Sports

And he is starting from scratch.

The New York Times

"And we're starting from a hole".

The New York Times

The Nets are starting from scratch.

The New York Times

Fortunately, we are not starting from scratch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, clearly define the initial condition using "starting from" to provide a clear reference point for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "starting from" when the beginning is implied or obvious. Be specific about what you are "starting from" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting from" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating the origin or beginning point of an action, process, or state. It provides context and sets the stage for what follows, as Ludwig AI confirms in its analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "starting from" is a versatile prepositional phrase widely used across diverse contexts to denote the origin or basis of something. As supported by Ludwig, it functions to establish a reference point, ensuring clarity in communication. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing. While the phrase is generally straightforward, it's crucial to avoid ambiguity by clearly specifying the starting point. Common alternatives include "beginning with" and "based on", but "starting from" provides a slightly distinct emphasis on the initial foundation or condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning with

Focuses on the initiation of a sequence or list.

commencing at

Emphasizes a formal start at a specific point.

initiating from

Highlights the act of starting something from a particular source.

originating in

Stresses the place or source where something begins.

stemming from

Implies that something develops or arises from a particular source.

based on

Indicates the foundation or grounds upon which something is built.

developing out of

Suggests growth or evolution from an initial state.

taking off from

Implies a start or launch from a specific point or event.

springing from

Conveys the idea of something emerging quickly or suddenly from a source.

deriving from

Highlights that something is obtained or comes from a specific source.

FAQs

How to use "starting from" in a sentence?

Use "starting from" to indicate the beginning point of a process, calculation, or discussion. For example, "Starting from zero, we built a successful business."

What can I say instead of "starting from"?

You can use alternatives like "beginning with", "commencing at", or "based on" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "starting from scratch" or "starting at scratch"?

"Starting from scratch" is the correct idiom, meaning to begin something entirely anew. "Starting at scratch" is not standard usage.

What's the difference between "starting from" and "beginning with"?

While both indicate a starting point, "starting from" often implies a basis or foundation, whereas "beginning with" simply indicates the first element in a sequence.