As a starting point
Presentation and public speaking expression
Use it to introduce a preliminary idea and signal that you are open to further development.
En 15 secondes
- Used to introduce the first step of a plan or discussion.
- Signals that more information or action will follow later.
- Perfect for brainstorming, meetings, and organizing complex thoughts.
Signification
This phrase is used to introduce an initial idea, a first step, or a basic fact that will serve as the foundation for further discussion or action.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Planning a weekend trip with friends
As a starting point, let's decide if we want the beach or the mountains.
As a starting point, let's decide if we want the beach or the mountains.
Opening a formal business presentation
As a starting point, I'd like to review our performance from the last quarter.
As a starting point, I'd like to review our performance from the last quarter.
Texting a friend about a new hobby
As a starting point, I bought some cheap running shoes today!
As a starting point, I bought some cheap running shoes today!
Contexte culturel
This expression is deeply rooted in the Western 'bias for action' business culture, where starting a project is often more important than having a perfect plan. It became highly popular in corporate environments during the rise of 'Agile' and 'Lean' methodologies in the late 20th century. It suggests that ideas are meant to evolve rather than stay static.
The Comma is Key
When you start a sentence with this phrase, always put a comma after it. It gives your listeners a second to prepare for your main idea.
Don't Stop There
If you use this phrase, people expect you to have a 'point B.' Don't use it if you only have one single idea and nothing else to add.
En 15 secondes
- Used to introduce the first step of a plan or discussion.
- Signals that more information or action will follow later.
- Perfect for brainstorming, meetings, and organizing complex thoughts.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as the first brick in a new building. It is the very first step in a process. You use it to introduce an idea that isn't final. It tells your listeners, "Hey, this is just the beginning." It’s a way to build a foundation. You aren't claiming to have all the answers yet. You are just pointing to the first door. It makes big projects feel much less scary. It signals that more details are coming later.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of your sentence. It acts as a signpost for your audience. Follow it with a comma to give a little pause. For example, As a starting point, we could try this. You can also use it to define a physical or numerical value. We will use $500 as a starting point for the project. It is very flexible and fits almost anywhere. It helps you sound organized and prepared.
When To Use It
This phrase is a superstar in professional meetings. Use it when you are brainstorming new ideas. It helps when you need to break the ice. It’s also great for planning trips with friends. If you are teaching someone a new skill, use it. It helps them focus on the first lesson. Use it when you want to sound logical. It works well when you have a long list of things to do.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase when you are making a final, permanent decision. If the work is done, don't call it a "starting point." That would be very confusing for your boss! Also, avoid it in highly romantic or deeply tragic moments. Saying As a starting point, I am sorry your cat died sounds cold. It feels too much like a business report. Keep it for tasks, plans, and logical discussions. Don't use it if you aren't planning to add more later.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, we value "getting the ball rolling." We don't wait for perfection before we speak. This phrase reflects that "can-do" attitude. It shows that you are ready to take action immediately. In business, it aligns with "agile" or "iterative" workflows. It’s about building momentum rather than having a perfect master plan. It’s a very positive, forward-looking way to speak. It shows you are a collaborator.
Common Variations
If you want to mix things up, try For starters. That one is a bit more casual. You could also say To kick things off. That sounds more energetic and fun. In a very formal report, you might use As a baseline. If you are just listing things, First of all works too. But As a starting point is the most balanced choice. It works for both coffee dates and boardrooms.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is highly versatile and sits in the 'neutral' register, making it safe for both the boardroom and the living room. Just remember that it creates an expectation of further development—don't use it for a final conclusion.
The Comma is Key
When you start a sentence with this phrase, always put a comma after it. It gives your listeners a second to prepare for your main idea.
Don't Stop There
If you use this phrase, people expect you to have a 'point B.' Don't use it if you only have one single idea and nothing else to add.
The 'Low Stakes' Secret
In English culture, using this phrase is a polite way to suggest an idea without being bossy. It makes your suggestion feel 'open for discussion' rather than a command.
Exemples
6As a starting point, let's decide if we want the beach or the mountains.
As a starting point, let's decide if we want the beach or the mountains.
Used to narrow down broad options at the beginning of a conversation.
As a starting point, I'd like to review our performance from the last quarter.
As a starting point, I'd like to review our performance from the last quarter.
Sets the stage for the rest of the presentation data.
As a starting point, I bought some cheap running shoes today!
As a starting point, I bought some cheap running shoes today!
Shows the first small action taken toward a larger goal.
As a starting point, maybe we should find the floor under all these clothes.
As a starting point, maybe we should find the floor under all these clothes.
Uses the formal structure to make a joke about a chaotic situation.
As a starting point, I think we just need to be more honest with each other.
As a starting point, I think we just need to be more honest with each other.
Suggests a foundational change to improve a situation.
As a starting point, let's get all the ingredients chopped and ready.
As a starting point, let's get all the ingredients chopped and ready.
Identifies the first logical task in a multi-step process.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to begin the brainstorming session.
___, let's look at the guest list for the wedding.
The standard idiomatic expression always uses the preposition 'as' to introduce the initial step.
Complete the sentence to show that more work is needed later.
We can use this draft ___, but it needs a lot of editing.
When using the phrase in the middle of a sentence to describe a noun, 'as a starting point' is the correct form.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Starting' Expressions
Used with close friends or family.
For starters...
Safe for almost any situation.
As a starting point...
Used in official reports or academic papers.
As a baseline for analysis...
When to use 'As a starting point'
Project Kickoff
Defining the first task.
Budgeting
Setting an initial price.
Conflict Resolution
Finding common ground.
Learning
Mastering the basics.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt means you are introducing the first step or a basic idea that will be expanded upon later. For example: As a starting point, let's agree on the date.
Yes, it is perfectly fine, though For starters might feel slightly more natural. You could text: As a starting point, let's meet at the park.
No, that is not a standard idiom. You should always use As a starting point to maintain the correct meaning.
Not at all! You can use it for cooking, planning a party, or even discussing a book with a friend. It just helps structure any logical thought.
First of all is usually for listing items in order. As a starting point implies that the first item is the foundation for everything else.
It might sound a little 'stiff' or like a business meeting. On a date, you might prefer saying To start with or Maybe we could first....
Yes, you can say something like, We can use this map as a starting point. It identifies the map as the foundation for the journey.
You could use To begin our discussion or To provide some initial context. Both work well in a professional setting.
Yes, it is used universally across all major English dialects, including British, American, and Australian English.
Absolutely. You can say, Let's use $1,000 as a starting point for our savings goal. It sets an initial target.
Expressions liées
For starters
A more informal way to say 'to begin with'.
To kick things off
An energetic way to start a meeting or event.
To get the ball rolling
To do something that starts a process or project.
In the first instance
A very formal way to describe the first step in a legal or official process.
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