we start by

USAGE SUMMARY

"we start by" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to signify the beginning of a process or task. For example, "We start by gathering all the materials we need."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We start by caring.

The New York Times

We start by Fourier analyzing the electromagnetic field in space.

Journal of Computational Physics

We start by computing the 3D flow field.

Chemical Engineering Science

We start by answering the following questions: What validate?

Journal of Innovation in Digital Ecosystems

We start by listing routing challenges associated with the CRAHNs.

Journal of Network and Computer Applications

We start by recalling.

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

We start by showing that.

Boundary Value Problems

We start by constructing the 2-complex.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

We start by recalling the following definition.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

We start by fixing some terminologies.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

(27) We start by solving problem (26).

Boundary Value Problems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a process, use "we start by" to clearly indicate the initial action, ensuring your audience understands the sequence from the beginning. It sets a clear starting point.

Common error

Avoid starting too many consecutive sentences with "we start by". Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "initially", "to begin with", or "our first step is to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we start by" functions as an introductory phrase, signaling the commencement of a particular action or process. According to Ludwig, it's a grammatically sound way to structure a sentence when outlining steps. It's primary role is to establish a clear starting point in a sequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we start by" is a grammatically correct and versatile way to introduce the initial step in a process or sequence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its frequent appearance across diverse sources – particularly in science and news – highlights its widespread utility. While adaptable, it's best practice to avoid overuse and vary sentence structure for engaging writing. The phrase serves to guide the reader, setting a clear foundation for subsequent actions. Its neutral register makes it suitable for professional, academic, and general contexts alike.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we'll begin by

This uses a contraction and a slightly different verb tense to express a future intention to begin.

we initiate by

This alternative replaces "start" with "initiate", suggesting a more deliberate or formal beginning.

to begin with, we

This inverts the order, placing the introductory element at the beginning for emphasis.

we commence with

This alternative uses a more formal verb, "commence", implying a more structured or official beginning.

initially, we

This uses an adverb to indicate the beginning, making it slightly less direct than "we start by".

our first step is to

This restructures the sentence to emphasize the initial action as a step within a larger process.

let's begin with

This phrasing creates an inclusive tone, inviting the audience to start together.

the first thing we do is

This is a more descriptive alternative that emphasizes the order of actions.

as a starting point, we

This alternative frames the initial action as a foundation for subsequent steps.

we'll kick off with

This option is more informal, using the phrase "kick off" to denote starting something.

FAQs

How can I use "we start by" in a sentence?

You can use "we start by" to introduce the first action in a series of steps. For example, "We start by gathering the necessary data, then we analyze it."

What can I say instead of "we start by"?

You can use alternatives like "we begin by", "initially we", or "our first step is to" depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a paragraph with "we start by"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a paragraph with "we start by", especially when outlining a process or providing instructions. Just ensure variety in sentence structure throughout your writing.

How does the formality of "we start by" compare to other alternatives?

"We start by" is generally neutral in formality. Alternatives like "we commence with" are more formal, while phrases like "let's begin with" are more informal.