this is just a beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is just a beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is in its initial stages and that more developments or progress are expected in the future. Example: "While we have made significant progress on the project, this is just a beginning, and there is much more work to be done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

But this is just a beginning.

The New York Times

Yet this is just a beginning.

The New York Times

This is just a beginning, however.

The New York Times

Besides, this is just a beginning.

The New York Times

He added, "This is just a beginning".

The New York Times - Arts

To me, this is just a beginning".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It added: "This was just a beginning.

The New York Times

Professor Benny Tai at the University of Hong Kong, also a key leader and co-founder of Occupy Central, declared that the movement already marked a brand new "era of civil disobedience" for Hong Kong, and this was just a beginning.

Yale University

They said this was just a beginning, they would see, they themselves couldn't say anything about it.

BMC Health Services Research

Brooks emphasized that this research is just a beginning.

The Washington Post

"This report is just a beginning," wrote Maui Tomorrow's Albert Perez.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is just a beginning" to set expectations that more progress or development is anticipated. It's useful when introducing a project, initiative, or change to manage perceptions and maintain momentum.

Common error

Avoid using "this is just a beginning" when the situation is unlikely to lead to further meaningful developments. It can create false hope or expectations if the context doesn't support future progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is just a beginning" functions as a statement indicating that the current situation or progress is only the initial phase of a larger process or development. It serves to set expectations for future events, progress, or change. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is just a beginning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to temper expectations while simultaneously inspiring hope for future progress. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is deemed correct and usable in many written contexts. Appearing predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Academic circles, the expression denotes that the current state is preliminary and more is to follow. To avoid misinterpretations, use this phrase when continued development is genuinely expected. For similar expressions, consider "this is just the start" or "this is only the beginning".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is only the beginning

Emphasizes that the current situation is merely the start of something bigger.

this is just the start

Uses "start" instead of "beginning", providing a slightly more informal tone.

this is merely the first step

Highlights the initial stage of a process or journey.

this is only a taste of what's to come

Suggests that the current experience is a small preview of future events.

this is a nascent stage

Uses more formal and academic language to describe the early development.

this is the preliminary phase

Emphasizes the initial and preparatory nature of the current situation.

this marks the dawn of something new

More metaphorical, suggesting the start of a new era or development.

the journey has only just begun

Shifts the focus to the ongoing nature of the process.

we're only scratching the surface

Implies that there is much more to be discovered or explored.

the best is yet to come

Focuses on the positive expectation of future improvements or developments.

FAQs

How can I use "this is just a beginning" in a sentence?

You can use "this is just a beginning" to indicate that the current progress or development is only the initial stage of something larger. For example, "While we've launched the initial version of the product, "this is just a beginning"; we plan to add many more features in the future."

What can I say instead of "this is just a beginning"?

Alternatives include "this is just the start", "this is only the beginning", or "this is merely the first step", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "this is just a beginning" in a formal context?

Yes, "this is just a beginning" can be used in formal contexts to set expectations and provide context for future developments. However, consider using slightly more formal alternatives like "this is the preliminary phase" in highly formal settings.

What's the difference between "this is just a beginning" and "this is a new beginning"?

"This is just a beginning" implies that something has already started and will continue to develop. "This is a new beginning" suggests a fresh start after a previous end or interruption. For example, a company launching a new product might say "this is just a beginning", while a person starting a new job might say "this is a new beginning".