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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
starts by needing
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "starts by needing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the initial requirement or prerequisite for a process or action. Example: "The project starts by needing a clear understanding of the client's goals before we can proceed."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
But we know what we need to do, and that starts by needing to strip it all back and start winning football matches.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
This starts by ending the need for people like me to visit their loved ones in prison.
News & Media
Define needs: Start by defining the needs of your school and your yearbook committee or club.
Wiki
"We gave them the start they needed by conceding an easy nine points which you can't afford to do away from home.
News & Media
However, the identity of the enzyme responsible for the other step the removal of a molecule of carbon dioxide to make the starting material needed by IPK remained mysterious.
Science
QFD on the other side is a customer focused method that usually starts by collecting customer needs and tries to integrate these needs into the product.
Science
"You start by documenting need, and you usually do that by walking around and showing that there are not enough [bathrooms]," and how much it costs to clean up, McCreary said.
News & Media
Removing start-up programs needed by the system for running may result into unstable system and breakdown.
Wiki
So rather than waiting for someone to be what you need, start by being what someone else needs.
News & Media
To start, we need real oversight by the Treasury.
News & Media
Instead, start by browning whatever needs to be browned.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "starts by needing" when you want to clearly indicate that a specific requirement or necessity is the very first step in a process.
Common error
Avoid unnecessarily complex sentence structures when using "starts by needing". Sometimes a simpler phrase, like "begins with" or "requires", can improve clarity.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "starts by needing" functions as a transitional phrase, indicating the initiation of a process based on a specific requirement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its role in denoting the initial prerequisite for an action.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Wiki
25%
Science
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
15%
Academia
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "starts by needing" is used to indicate that a process or action begins with a particular necessity or requirement. Ludwig AI validates this usage, describing it as grammatically correct but relatively infrequent. It's most commonly found in news, wikis and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the sentence structure remains clear and avoid unnecessary complexity; consider simpler alternatives like "begins with" if clarity is a concern. The most authoritative sources using the phrase are The Guardian, Huffington Post, BBC, Forbes and The New York Times.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
starts with the requirement to
Similar meaning, but uses 'requirement' instead of 'needing'.
begins with requiring
Emphasizes the initial requirement as a starting point.
begins by addressing the need for
Focuses on 'addressing' the need, implying problem-solving.
commences with the necessity of
More formal, highlighting the unavoidable nature of the need.
starts from a point of needing
Emphasizes the initial state of requiring something.
initiates by fulfilling the need for
Highlights the action of fulfilling a specific need at the start.
depends on starting with
Highlights the dependency on an initial action.
hinges on the necessity to
Suggests that the whole process depends on this initial need.
is contingent on the need to
Similar to 'hinges on', but specifies conditionality.
is predicated on needing
Formal; indicates a fundamental condition or assumption.
FAQs
How can I use "starts by needing" in a sentence?
Use "starts by needing" to indicate the initial requirement for a particular action or process. For example, "The project starts by needing a clear understanding of the client's goals".
What are some alternatives to "starts by needing"?
You can use alternatives like "begins with requiring", "commences with the necessity of", or "initiates by fulfilling the need for" depending on the context.
Is "starts by needing" grammatically correct?
Yes, "starts by needing" is grammatically correct and can be used to describe the initial requirement for a process, although there might be more concise or common alternatives.
What's the difference between "starts by needing" and "begins with"?
"Starts by needing" emphasizes the necessity of a particular element from the outset, whereas "begins with" simply indicates the starting point. The former is more specific about the type of beginning.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
3.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested