to start from

USAGE SUMMARY

"to start from" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the beginning point of an action or process. For example: - "We will start from the basics and work our way up." - "The project will start from scratch, so we need to plan carefully." - "To understand this concept, we need to start from the very beginning." - "The journey to success often starts from humble beginnings." In these sentences, "start from" is used to show the starting point or starting place of an activity, process, or journey. It is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts, including personal, academic, and professional writing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I had to start from scratch.

The New York Times

Biden would have to start from scratch.

The New Yorker

Others prefer to start from scratch.

The Economist

You have to start from scratch".

The New York Times - Tech

They have to start from a project.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

would be required to start from scratch).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

You've just got to start from scratch.

The New Yorker

"We've got to start from scratch here.

The New York Times

That's where you have to start from".

The New York Times - Sports

You need to start from the beginning.

The New York Times

Every poem seems to start from scratch.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a project, explicitly state what you plan "to start from" to provide clarity and set expectations from the outset.

Common error

Avoid assuming prior knowledge when using "to start from". Clearly define the foundational concepts or assumptions; otherwise, your audience might struggle to follow your reasoning or process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to start from" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating the origin or initial point of an action, process, or discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Many examples provided confirm this, showcasing its versatility in setting a foundation for subsequent actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to start from" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate the origin or beginning of an action, process, or discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used across various contexts, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and academic publications. While alternatives like ""to begin with"" or ""to initiate from"" may offer nuanced variations, "to start from" remains a reliable and widely understood choice for establishing a foundational point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to begin with

This alternative focuses on the initial action or point, emphasizing the commencement of a process.

to initiate from

This suggests a more formal beginning or the act of setting something in motion.

to originate from

This phrase highlights the source or place where something begins its existence or development.

to stem from

Implies that something arises or develops as a consequence or natural result of something else.

to arise from

Suggests a coming into existence or notice, often unexpectedly.

to launch from

This suggests a more proactive and vigorous beginning than "to start from".

to build upon

Suggests using a foundation, as opposed to originating something from scratch.

to proceed from

This alternative focuses on the continuation of an action rather than the initiation.

to derive from

Suggests that something is obtained or developed from a source.

to ground from

Focuses on using a foundation or basis, implying a solid starting point.

FAQs

How can I use "to start from" in a sentence?

You can use "to start from" to indicate a beginning point, as in, "We need "to start from scratch"" or "The discussion will "to start from the beginning"".

What are some alternatives to "to start from"?

Alternatives include "to begin with", "to originate from", or "to initiate from", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "start from the beginning" or "begin at the beginning"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""to start from the beginning"" emphasizes the act of starting, while "begin at the beginning" focuses on the action of beginning at a specific point.

Can "to start from" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "to start from" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider more precise alternatives like "to commence from" or "to originate from" for added gravitas.