starting off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starting off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are beginning something, introducing a subject, or marking the beginning of a process. For example: "Starting off, let's review the basic rules of the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Starting off with Ben Feller, Associated Press.

The New York Times

We're all starting off new".

The New York Times - Sports

The girls are starting off from scratch.

The Guardian

We recommend starting off by reading the FAQ.

University of California, Berkeley

For a while I haven't been starting off slow.

The New York Times

We took a month, starting off in LA.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"He was the starting off-guard that year.

Los Angeles Times

That seems like a good starting-off point for conversation.

The New York Times

"That was the starting-off point".

The New York Times - Arts

"And that was the starting-off point".

The New York Times - Arts

"They were a starting-off point," Ms. Saar said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starting off" to clearly indicate the beginning of a process, discussion, or activity. This helps to provide a clear structure for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "starting off" repeatedly in a single paragraph or short section. This can make your writing sound repetitive. Use synonyms like "beginning", "initially", or "to begin with" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "starting off" is to act as a phrasal verb, indicating the beginning or commencement of an action, process, or state. Ludwig AI confirms this, as seen in numerous examples where it introduces an initial step or activity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "starting off" functions as a phrasal verb that indicates the beginning of an action or process. It is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and wiki sources. While generally neutral in tone, it can be considered informal depending on the setting. As supported by Ludwig AI, using synonyms can help to avoid repetition and add variety to writing. The phrase is often used to introduce lists, steps, or to generally mark the initiation of an activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning

Focuses on the initial point or stage of something.

commencing

Implies a more formal or official start.

initiating

Suggests the act of setting something in motion.

launching

Conveys a sense of introducing or setting forth something new.

kicking off

An informal way to describe the start of an event or activity.

setting out

Implies starting a journey or endeavor.

embarking on

Suggests starting something significant or adventurous.

getting underway

Indicates that something is now in progress.

getting going

An informal way of saying something is starting to happen.

opening

Highlights the initial part of something, like a speech or performance.

FAQs

How can I use "starting off" in a sentence?

You can use "starting off" to introduce the beginning of an activity, process, or discussion. For example, "Starting off, let's review the agenda for today's meeting".

What's a more formal alternative to "starting off"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "commencing" or "initiating".

Is it correct to say "starting off with"?

Yes, "starting off with" is a common and correct usage, often used to introduce the first item in a list or the first step in a process. For example, "Starting off with the budget, we will then move on to marketing strategies".

What can I say instead of "starting off" to describe the initial stage of a project?

Alternatives include "in the initial phase", "at the outset", or "in the beginning" depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.