to start off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to start off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the beginning of an action, process, or discussion. Example: "To start off, I would like to thank everyone for being here today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To start off, you need a hammer.

The New York Times

It was nothing to start off with.

The Guardian - Arts

A nice way to start off the week.

The New York Times

What a cheery thought to start off your weekend.

The New Yorker

"What a way to start off!" Mr. Marth said.

The New York Times

"He's just ready to start off," O'Brien Jnr stressed.

Independent

"Nobody wants to start off the season 0-2".

The New York Times - Sports

"I tried to start off more on the defensive end.

The New York Times - Sports

I don't want to start off beating up on her".

The New York Times

"It's always good to start off on the right foot.

The New York Times - Sports

Not a bad way to start off the new year.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to start off" in writing, ensure that it clearly signals the beginning of a new section, argument, or activity to guide the reader effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "to start off" repeatedly within a short span of text, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your introductory phrases by using alternatives like "initially", "firstly", or "to begin with."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to start off" primarily functions as an introductory phrase or discourse marker. It serves to signal the beginning of a new section, argument, or activity, providing a clear indication of where the text or discussion is headed. Ludwig confirms its role as a common and acceptable way to commence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

28%

Huffington Post

21%

Less common in

Los Angeles Times

3%

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

1%

Vice

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to start off" is a very common and grammatically correct introductory phrase used to signal the beginning of a new topic, argument, or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, its neutral register makes it appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to more informal settings. While highly versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider employing alternatives like "to begin with" or "initially" to maintain writing clarity and style. Remember to clearly signal the commencement of a subject or process and guide the audience effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to begin with

Uses "begin" instead of "start", providing a slightly more formal tone.

to commence with

Replaces "start" with "commence", increasing the formality of the phrase.

firstly

A simple adverb indicating the first in a series of points or actions.

initially

Highlights the beginning stage or phase of something.

at the outset

Emphasizes the very beginning of a process or event.

in the first place

Indicates the initial point or reason, shifting the focus slightly from action to justification.

as a starting point

Highlights the initial phase as a base for further development or discussion.

to kick things off

An idiomatic and informal way to say "to start off", suitable for casual contexts.

to initiate proceedings

Suggests a more formal and structured beginning, particularly in legal or official contexts.

by way of introduction

Used specifically to introduce a topic or oneself, adding a formal touch.

FAQs

What does "to start off" mean?

"To start off" means to begin or initiate something, often used to introduce the first point or action in a series. It's a common phrase used to signal the commencement of an activity or discussion.

What can I say instead of "to start off"?

You can use alternatives like "to begin with", "initially", or "firstly" depending on the context.

Is it formal to use "to start off"?

"To start off" is generally considered neutral in formality. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal alternatives like "to commence with" or "at the outset" might be preferred in highly formal settings.

How to use "to start off" in a sentence?

You can use "to start off" to introduce the first point in a list or the beginning of a discussion. For example, "To start off, let's review the project goals" or "To start off our meeting, I'd like to thank everyone for attending."