starting point for

USAGE SUMMARY

"starting point for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing or introducing a new idea, concept, or discussion topic. For example, "This article will serve as a starting point for our discussion about the effects of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A starting point for stories.

The New Yorker

What's the starting point for that work?

The New Yorker

Consider the starting point for Lufthansa's turnaround.

Harvard Business Review

They are the starting point for our discussion.

Cornell University

starting point for future studies of cortical map development.

Yale University

Harvard's Science Center was the starting point for HackHarvard.

Harvard University

Columbia Community Service: the starting point for Columbia MBA students.

Columbia University

The superstructure is the starting point for nonlinear optimisation.

Journal of Cleaner Production

It was the starting point for a lot of exchanges.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

This surface mesh is the starting point for our methodology.

Journal of Computational Design and Engineering

Where the responses differ is their starting point for analysis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starting point for" to clearly indicate the initiation or commencement of a process, discussion, or project. It sets the context and helps the audience understand where to begin their focus.

Common error

Don't use "starting point for" when you actually mean 'final outcome' or 'ultimate goal'. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects that it's the beginning, not the end, of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting point for" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. As evidenced by Ludwig, it identifies the origin, commencement, or initial stage of an activity, process, or discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

30%

Academia

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "starting point for" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote the beginning or initial stage of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted across various domains, including news, academia, and science. This phrase serves to introduce the commencement of a process, discussion, or project, helping to set the context for the audience. While alternatives such as "initial step for" or "basis for" exist, "starting point for" remains a clear and effective choice for indicating origination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial step for

Replaces 'point' with 'step', focusing on the action of beginning.

basis for

Indicates a foundation or groundwork, instead of a point of origin.

foundation for

Implies a more substantial beginning, like a base upon which something is built.

springboard for

Suggests a beginning that leads to advancement or progress.

prelude to

Implies an introduction or something that precedes a main event.

opening for

Focuses on the aspect of creating an opportunity or entrance.

launching pad for

Metaphorically suggests a place from which something is launched or initiated.

cornerstone of

Suggests something essential and fundamental that supports everything else.

incipience of

A more formal way to refer to the beginning of something.

genesis of

A high-level and formal phrase indicating the origin or creation of something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "starting point for" in a sentence?

Use "starting point for" to introduce the initial stage of a process, discussion, or project. For example, "This research paper is a "starting point for" further investigation into the topic".

What are some alternatives to "starting point for"?

You can use alternatives such as "initial step for", "basis for", or "foundation for" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "starting point for" and "point of departure for"?

While both phrases indicate a beginning, ""starting point for"" is more commonly used in general contexts, while "point of departure for" often suggests a shift or divergence from an existing idea or situation.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "starting point for"?

Avoid using ""starting point for"" if you are referring to the culmination or end result of something. It should only be used to describe the initiation or beginning phase.