to start things off

USAGE SUMMARY

"to start things off" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a colloquial phrase typically used to begin a conversation, speech, or meeting. For example, "To start things off, I'd like to introduce our guest speaker today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

To start things off, we'd like to submit as a candidate Goodwin Knight, of California.

The New Yorker

Here, to start things off is the full version of Binyon's For the Fallen.

The Guardian - Books

So we do try to start things off with one piece of good news from each person.

The New York Times

To start things off, here are a few of my own thoughts on last night's sensory feast.

The Guardian - Music

Writer describes arrival of dinner guests and how a guest, Don Wenow, initiates a discussion of ridiculism in mortgage rates to start things off well.

The New Yorker

To start things off, members of the magazine's design staff offer their own ideas below, produced in a couple of hours.

The New York Times

To start things off, Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad will play the title characters in a Broadway production of this tale of doomed lovers.

The New York Times

Having beat Wycombe Wanderers and AFC Wimbledon, scoring eight times in doing so, to start things off, Chelsea begin a trip around the continent.

Independent

Amnesty International is hoping to have the United Nations make torture an international crime, and to start things off, circulated petitions in seven languages.

The New Yorker

To start things off, there's one about Romney (new and exclusive) and a gallery of cartoons about every President from Roosevelt to Obama.

The New Yorker

10.19pm BST USA 3 - Australia 0, 9:23, 1st Quarter Australia misses a three to start things off, and Kevin Durant hits one to continue things off.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to start things off" to clearly signal the commencement of a new topic, activity, or phase, enhancing clarity and organization in your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "to start things off" excessively within a single piece of writing or conversation. While it's useful for initial clarity, overuse can make your communication sound repetitive and less engaging. Consider alternatives like "to begin with" or "initially" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to start things off" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling the beginning of a discussion, activity, or a series of events. It is used to set the stage and orient the audience, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI, which affirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

10%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to start things off" is a common and grammatically sound introductory phrase used to signal the commencement of a discussion, activity, or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though more prevalent in news and media. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider more formal alternatives like "to begin with" in academic or professional settings. This ensures clear and engaging communication without sounding repetitive or too casual.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to begin with

This alternative is a more direct and slightly formal way to indicate the commencement of something.

for starters

An informal way to introduce the first item or point, often used in conversation.

firstly

A straightforward and common way to introduce the first point or action in a list or sequence.

as a beginning

A simple and direct way to state that something is starting, often used in instructional contexts.

as an initial step

This phrase emphasizes the sequential nature of starting something, suggesting a process or series of actions.

by way of introduction

Typically used to introduce a topic or speaker, setting the stage for what follows.

in the first place

Similar to "firstly" but can also imply a reason or justification for starting something.

at the outset

A more formal and emphatic way to indicate the very beginning of something.

initially

Implies that something is happening at the start but may change or develop further.

to get the ball rolling

An idiomatic expression suggesting the start of an activity or process, often with the aim of encouraging further progress.

FAQs

How can I use "to start things off" in a sentence?

You can use "to start things off" to introduce the beginning of a discussion, activity, or presentation. For example, "To start things off, let's review the agenda for today's meeting".

What are some alternatives to "to start things off"?

Alternatives include "to begin with", "firstly", or "initially". The best choice depends on the specific context and level of formality.

Is "to start things off" formal or informal?

"To start things off" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual conversations, presentations, or less formal writing. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "at the outset" or "by way of introduction".

Can "to start things off" be used in academic writing?

While "to start things off" is grammatically correct, it might be too informal for academic writing. Opt for more formal phrases such as "to begin with" or "initially" to maintain a professional tone.