we begin with

USAGE SUMMARY

"we begin with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when introducing a task or activity. For example: "We begin with a discussion on the history of literature."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We begin with Schreiber.

The New York Times

We begin with Germany.

The Guardian

We begin with conviction.

The New York Times

We begin with your new shapes.

The New Yorker

We begin with the N.F.C. West.

The New York Times

We begin with an archetypal American scene.

The New York Times - Magazine

We begin with Mark Twain.

The New York Times

But we begin with Twitter.

The Guardian - Sport

Shall we begin with fire or water?

The New York Times

On Monday, we begin with Don Giovanni.

The Guardian

We begin with your new shapes..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing technical documentation, it is appropriate to use "we begin with" to signal that the information provided is essential to what follows, improving comprehension by identifying what must be reviewed first.

Common error

Avoid starting every section or paragraph with "we begin with". While it's a useful introductory phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure with alternatives like "firstly", "initially", or "let's start by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we begin with" serves as a transitional phrase or discourse marker. It introduces the initial element of a sequence, argument, or discussion. Ludwig AI identifies it as a clear signal for the commencement of a specific aspect within a broader context, evident from examples in news and science.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we begin with" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to introduce the starting point of a discussion, process, or argument. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, ranging from scientific papers to news articles. While adaptable, avoiding overuse will enhance your writing style. Consider alternatives like "we start with" or "initially" for variety. Remember to strategically place "we begin with" to methodically break down and discuss topics, ensuring the material is presented in a structured way that improves your readers' understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

We start with

Uses "start" instead of "begin", providing a simpler and more direct alternative.

Let's commence with

Replaces "begin" with "commence", suggesting a slightly more formal start.

We'll initiate with

Substitutes "begin" with "initiate", implying a more deliberate and planned start.

To begin, we consider

Restructures the sentence, emphasizing the action of considering something at the start.

Firstly, we address

Adds "firstly" to explicitly indicate the order, and replaces "begin with" with "address".

Initially, we focus on

Uses "initially" to highlight that it's the first point of focus.

Our starting point is

Changes the structure to focus on the "starting point" itself.

Let us first examine

Replaces "begin with" with a more formal "examine", suitable for analytical contexts.

As a first step, we

Highlights the element as a "first step" in a process.

The first thing we'll do is

Offers a more verbose and informal way to indicate the starting action.

FAQs

How can I use "we begin with" in a sentence?

Use "we begin with" to introduce the first item, point, or step in a series or process. For example: "We begin with a review of the literature."

What are some alternatives to "we begin with"?

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

Is "we begin with" formal or informal?

"We begin with" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "let us commence with" might be preferable in highly formal settings.

What's the difference between "we begin with" and "we start with"?

"We begin with" and "we start with" are largely interchangeable. "Begin" might be perceived as slightly more formal than "start", but the difference is minimal in most situations.