to start with this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to start with this" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a topic or point that will be discussed or elaborated on further. Example: "To start with this, we need to consider the main objectives of the project before moving on to the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

To start with, this divorce involves two trees.

The New York Times

I don't know where to start with this book..

The Guardian

But where to start with this virtuoso shambles?

The Guardian

To start with, this bill was utterly unnecessary.

The New York Times

Infuriatingly insubstantial to start with, this is a grower.

Independent

Is it a good place to start with this month's Reading group?

The Guardian - Books

It's difficult to know where to start with this breathtakingly stupid comment.

The Guardian - Opinion

To start with, this is a true orchestra, not a conventional 'big band'.

The Guardian - Music

Why did you want to start with this moment of arrival?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

I really don't know where to start with this.

The Guardian - Sport

And I want to start with this concept of needs.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "to start with this" when you want to establish a clear starting point in a complex explanation or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "to start with this" in highly formal or academic writing where a more sophisticated transition might be expected. In such cases, consider phrases like "initially" or "as a point of departure" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to start with this" serves as a transitional phrase, functioning primarily to introduce an initial point or consideration within a broader discussion or analysis. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to start with this" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to introduce an initial point in a discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for setting the stage and guiding the audience. While not overly formal, it appears in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. Consider it when you need a clear starting point, and remember to vary your language with alternatives like "to begin with this" or "initially" to maintain a sophisticated tone. Its use in news and media contexts, combined with academic instances, indicates its versatility, although less frequent in strictly formal business or scientific registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to begin with this

Replaces "start" with "begin", maintaining similar meaning and formality.

as an initial step, this

Highlights the action as a preliminary measure.

initially, consider this

Uses "initially" to indicate the starting point and suggests considering a specific aspect.

to commence with this

Replaces "start" with the more formal "commence".

firstly, let's examine this

Emphasizes the sequential aspect of starting, using "firstly" and suggesting an examination.

at the outset, this

Uses "at the outset" to denote the beginning.

the first thing to note is this

Highlights that the point is the most important at the beginning.

by way of introduction, this

Indicates that the following information serves as an introduction.

let's kick off with this

A more informal way to suggest the commencement.

as a point of departure, this

Uses a more abstract expression for indicating the start.

FAQs

How can I use "to start with this" in a sentence?

You can use "to start with this" to introduce the first point or element in a discussion. For example, "To start with this, let's review the project's objectives before diving into the specifics."

What are some alternatives to "to start with this"?

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

Is "to start with this" formal or informal?

"To start with this" is generally considered neutral in formality. It is suitable for most writing situations, but for highly formal contexts, you may prefer alternatives like "initially" or "as a point of departure".

When is it appropriate to use "to start with this"?

It is appropriate to use "to start with this" when you want to clearly indicate the beginning of a series of points or steps, and you want to emphasize that this is where the discussion or action will commence.