we will start by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we will start by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the beginning of a process or a series of steps in a plan or discussion. Example: "In this presentation, we will start by outlining the main objectives of our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

We will start by cutting Congress' own budget.

The New York Times

We will start by hitting the ground running".

Independent

She decides that we will start by clearing the floor.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We will start by going after the largest concentrations of those drugs, and right now that is in the south.

The New York Times

"We will start by shelling their positions, and then you will storm the hill by cars and finally climb the hill on foot".

The Guardian

"The next step will be to liberalize rates on rural credit, and then in urban areas we will start by expanding the floating band of lending rates," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

We'll start by examining the item in question.

The New York Times

But we'll start by being the best team in the city".

The New York Times - Sports

"We'll start by sending astronauts to an asteroid for the first time in history".

The New Yorker

"We'll start by fighting for one dollar more, and then we'll build on that.

The New York Times

"We'll start by screwing around and one of us'll come up with a voice," adds Chavez.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we will start by", ensure that the subsequent action is clearly defined and directly relevant to the overall goal being discussed. This helps maintain clarity and focus in your communication.

Common error

Avoid beginning too many consecutive sentences with "we will start by" or similar phrases. This can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. Mix up your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we will start by" serves as an introductory phrase. It signals the commencement of an action or a process, setting the stage for subsequent steps. As Ludwig AI explains, this signals a beginning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we will start by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used introductory phrase that signals the initiation of an action or process. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to introduce the initial step of a plan or set of instructions, making it valuable across different contexts from scientific research and news reporting to everyday communication. It's important to use this phrase thoughtfully to avoid repetition and maintain clarity in writing. Alternatives such as "we'll begin with" and "initially we will" can enhance variety and engagement. The phrase is seen as correct and usable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we'll begin with

This alternative is a contraction, providing a slightly more informal tone while retaining the meaning of initiating a process.

we shall commence with

This alternative uses "commence" which introduces a more formal register than "start".

our initial step will be

This alternative emphasizes the first action in a sequence, making the sequence more explicit.

the first thing we'll do is

This alternative is more conversational and direct, specifying an immediate action.

initially, we are going to

This option specifies intent and timing with the adverb "initially".

to begin, we intend to

This alternative focuses on the intention behind the initial action.

we plan to initiate by

This option emphasizes the planning stage and the beginning of the process.

as a first measure, we

This alternative specifies the action as a deliberate measure.

our first action will involve

This alternative emphasizes the action and its components.

in the first place, we'll

This alternative is used to indicate the initial step in a sequence of actions or arguments.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we will start by" is used to introduce the first step in a process or a list of actions. For example, "We will start by outlining the project goals".

What are some alternatives to "we will start by"?

You can use alternatives like "we'll begin with", "initially we will", or "the first step is" to introduce the initial action.

Is it correct to say "we shall start by" instead of "we will start by"?

Both "we shall start by" and "we will start by" are grammatically correct, but "we will start by" is more common in contemporary English. "We shall" might be used in more formal or traditional contexts.

What is the difference between "we will start by" and "we will begin with"?

"We will start by" and "we will begin with" are very similar in meaning. "We will start by" emphasizes the act of initiating, while "we will begin with" focuses on what is being initiated.