What Does "to start with" Mean?
- Grammatical function: "To start with" primarily functions as an organizing connective or a discourse marker. It is used to introduce the first point in a list, establish a foundation for an argument (addition), or describe an initial state of affairs (temporal).
- Typical sentence position: It is highly flexible and can appear in the initial, medial, or final position of a sentence.
- Register: It is generally neutral, making it suitable for both casual conversation and professional journalism, though it is slightly less formal than "firstly" or "to begin with."
How to Use It
- Syntactic patterns: When used as a discourse marker, it is often followed by a noun phrase or a full clause. When used as a verbal phrase, it follows a subject and the verb "to start."
- Punctuation rules: If used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a point, it should be followed by a comma. If used parenthetically in the middle of a sentence, it should be set off by commas. At the end of a sentence, it usually requires no special punctuation other than the terminal mark.
- Grammatical flexibility: It can function as an introductory phrase ("To start with, we need..."), a predicate complement ("It was a hobby to start with"), or part of an infinitive phrase following a verb ("I want to start with...").
- What sounds unnatural: Using "to start with" to introduce the only point in a discussion is often confusing, as it implies that more points will follow.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from to start with on Ludwig.guru.
"To start with, the vessel." — newyorker.com
"Best to start with the basics." — nytimes.com
"It was a hobby to start with." — independent.co.uk
"It is, to start with, highly profitable." — economist.com
"Well, to start with, the missing mandate." — theguardian.com
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/to+start+with
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| firstly |
More formal and structured; ideal for academic essays or numbered lists. |
| to begin with |
Very similar in meaning but often sounds slightly more polished in writing. |
| for a start |
More informal and often used to introduce a strong or slightly critical point. |
| in the first place |
Often used to justify a decision or emphasize a fundamental reason. |
| initially |
Primarily temporal; describes a state that existed at the beginning of a period. |
Common Mistakes
- Wrong Position and Punctuation: Forgetting the comma when "to start with" is used as an introductory phrase can lead to run-on sentences.
- Confusion with 'at first': Learners often confuse it with at first, using to start with to describe a chronological change in state rather than to order points in a discussion. While "to start with" can describe an initial state, "at first" is specifically used to contrast an initial feeling or situation with a later one (e.g., "At first I was scared, but then I felt brave").
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Function |
Register |
Typical Position |
| to start with |
Organizing points / Introducing initial states |
Neutral |
Initial, Medial, or Final |
FAQs
Where in a sentence can to start with appear?
The expression is highly mobile and can appear in the sentence-initial position as a discourse marker, in the mid-clause position for emphasis, or at the end of a sentence. When used at the start or in the middle, it typically requires commas to set it apart from the main clause.
What is the difference between to start with and firstly?
While both organize information, firstly is strictly used for sequencing points in formal writing and usually requires a "secondly" to follow. To start with is more versatile, appearing in casual speech and capable of describing an initial condition or a physical starting point.
Can I use to start with to describe a change over time?
Learners often confuse it with at first, using to start with to describe a chronological change in state rather than to order points in a discussion. You should use at first when you want to emphasize that an initial situation changed later, whereas to start with is better for listing arguments or defining a starting point.