starting with

USAGE SUMMARY

"starting with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce the beginning of a list, or the first item in a series of points. For example: Starting with the most important, I need to finish my homework, finish the dishes, and go to bed early.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Starting with Bacon numbers.

The New York Times

Starting with me.

Independent

Starting with their two stars".

The New York Times

Starting With Myself.

The New York Times

Starting with the Mekong.

Yale University

Starting with my parents.

The Guardian - Music

Starting with his own.

The Guardian

Starting with Jul.

The New Yorker

Starting with Air Canada's new venture.

Independent

She's starting with nothing.

The Guardian

Starting with his ambition.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starting with" to clearly introduce the first item in a list or series, ensuring a smooth transition for the reader. For example, "Starting with the basics, let's review the core concepts."

Common error

Avoid using "starting with" in the middle of a sentence when it's not introducing a list or series. Instead, use phrases like "including" or "such as" to integrate examples seamlessly. For instance, instead of "The project needs several improvements, starting with better planning", try "The project needs several improvements, including better planning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting with" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a sequence or list by specifying the initial item. It sets the stage for further enumeration or discussion. Ludwig examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "starting with" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce a series or list, clearly indicating the initial item. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and informal writing. While alternatives like "beginning with" or "to begin with" exist, "starting with" maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. Keep in mind to use "starting with" at the beginning of the list for clarity. With practice, you can confidently use "starting with" to improve your written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning with

Implies a sequential commencement, similar to "starting with", but can sometimes suggest a more structured order.

to begin with

Indicates the initial step or reason in a series of points or explanations.

commencing with

More formal and indicates the start of a series or procedure.

initiating with

Suggests taking the first step in a more active or deliberate manner.

launching with

Implies a project or activity is beginning, often with some degree of promotion or fanfare.

opening with

Used to denote the initial part of something like a presentation or performance.

as a starting point

Emphasizes that the mentioned item or idea serves as a foundation for further development or discussion.

pioneering with

Suggests being the first to use or implement an idea or method.

leading with

Suggests an initial point that is meant to direct or influence what follows.

first of all

Highlights the initial item in a sequence of points or actions.

FAQs

How do I use "starting with" in a sentence?

Use "starting with" to introduce the first element in a list, sequence, or set of examples. For instance, "We'll address the main issues, "starting with" funding."

What can I say instead of "starting with"?

Alternatives include "beginning with", "to begin with", or "first of all" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "starting with" at the end of a sentence?

While grammatically permissible, it's generally clearer and more conventional to position ""starting with"" at the beginning of the phrase it introduces.

What's the difference between "starting with" and "including"?

"Starting with" introduces the first item in a list and suggests others will follow, while "including" introduces examples without necessarily implying an exhaustive list or a specific order.