To start with
Presentation and public speaking expression
Use it to signal the beginning of a list or a multi-step explanation clearly.
En 15 secondes
- Introduces the first point in a series of ideas or steps.
- Acts as a signpost to help listeners follow your logic.
- Works perfectly in both professional presentations and casual storytelling.
Signification
You use this phrase to introduce the first point in a list or the first step of a process. It tells your listener that more information is coming after this first part.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Explaining a recipe to a friend
To start with, you need to preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
To start with, you need to preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Giving a business presentation
To start with, let's look at our sales figures from last quarter.
To start with, let's look at our sales figures from last quarter.
Texting a friend about a bad date
To start with, he showed up forty minutes late!
To start with, he showed up forty minutes late!
Contexte culturel
This phrase reflects the Western cultural emphasis on 'linear' communication styles. It helps the speaker maintain control of the conversation by signaling that they have multiple points to make. It became a standard 'transition word' in English rhetoric to help audiences follow complex arguments easily.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after `to start with` when you write it. It helps the reader pause and prepare for your point.
The 'Second' Trap
If you use this phrase, try to follow up with `secondly` or `next`. If you don't, it feels like an unfinished thought.
En 15 secondes
- Introduces the first point in a series of ideas or steps.
- Acts as a signpost to help listeners follow your logic.
- Works perfectly in both professional presentations and casual storytelling.
What It Means
Think of to start with as a verbal green light. It signals that you are beginning a journey through several ideas. It is a signpost for your listener's brain. It says, "Here is point number one." You are setting the stage for a structured explanation. It creates a clear starting line for your thoughts. It is simple, effective, and very common in daily English.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of your sentence. Always follow it with a comma when writing. In speech, take a tiny breath after saying it. This pause builds a little bit of anticipation. You can use it to list reasons, steps, or even complaints. It works best when you have at least two or three things to say. If you only have one point, it might feel a bit lonely.
When To Use It
Use it during a presentation to outline your first slide. Use it in an essay to introduce your first argument. It is perfect when explaining a recipe to a friend. You can use it when you are defending yourself in an argument. "To start with, I didn't even eat the last cookie!" It works well in business meetings to keep things organized. It is also great for storytelling when the sequence matters.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you are only making one single point. It makes people expect a "secondly" or a "next." If you never provide a second point, your listener feels confused. Avoid using it in very short, impulsive text messages. It can feel a bit too structured for a quick "On my way!" message. Also, do not use it if the order of events is not important. If you are just listing random facts, for example might be better.
Cultural Background
English speakers love organized, linear logic. We like to know exactly where we are in a conversation. Using phrases like to start with shows you are a clear thinker. It is a polite way to hold the floor in a conversation. It tells others you have a plan for what you are saying. Historically, it evolved from the basic need to categorize information during speeches. It is a staple of the "Three-Point Speech" culture in Western education.
Common Variations
You will often hear to begin with which is slightly more formal. For starters is a very common, more casual version used with friends. First of all is another heavy hitter that adds a bit more emphasis. If you want to sound very academic, you might use firstly. However, to start with is the perfect middle ground. It fits almost any situation without sounding too stiff or too lazy.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is neutral and highly versatile. It works in almost any register, but remember to use a comma after it in writing to ensure clarity.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after `to start with` when you write it. It helps the reader pause and prepare for your point.
The 'Second' Trap
If you use this phrase, try to follow up with `secondly` or `next`. If you don't, it feels like an unfinished thought.
The Polite Interruption
In English, saying `To start with...` is a polite way to stop someone from interrupting you. It tells them you have a list of things to say, so they should wait!
Exemples
6To start with, you need to preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
To start with, you need to preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Sets the very first chronological step in a process.
To start with, let's look at our sales figures from last quarter.
To start with, let's look at our sales figures from last quarter.
Professional way to introduce the first agenda item.
To start with, he showed up forty minutes late!
To start with, he showed up forty minutes late!
Used to list the first of many complaints.
To start with, she thinks the cucumber is a deadly snake.
To start with, she thinks the cucumber is a deadly snake.
Sets up a funny list of observations.
To start with, I just want you to know I value our friendship.
To start with, I just want you to know I value our friendship.
Softens the blow by starting with a positive foundation.
To start with, we must examine the historical context of the treaty.
To start with, we must examine the historical context of the treaty.
Introduces the first analytical point in a formal paper.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to begin a list of instructions for a new employee.
___, you should log into the system using your temporary password.
Since logging in is the first step, 'To start with' is the only logical choice.
Complete the sentence to introduce the first reason you like a city.
___, the public transportation here is incredibly efficient.
'To start with' signals that this is the first of several reasons you are about to give.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of 'To start with'
Used with friends (e.g., 'For starters...')
For starters, I'm hungry.
Perfect for most situations.
To start with, let's look at the map.
Used in essays or speeches.
To begin with, the data suggests...
Where to use 'To start with'
Cooking Class
To start with, chop the onions.
Job Interview
To start with, I have five years of experience.
Venting to Friends
To start with, the movie was way too long.
Writing an Essay
To start with, the author uses vivid imagery.
Questions fréquentes
11 questionsIt means 'firstly' or 'as the first point.' You use it to begin a list of ideas or steps, like saying To start with, we need eggs.
Yes, it is very common in academic writing. It helps organize your arguments clearly, for example: To start with, the economic impact was massive.
For starters is much more informal. You would use for starters with friends at a bar, but to start with in a meeting.
It is highly recommended! Using to start with creates an expectation that more points are coming.
Yes, if you are explaining something long. For example: To start with, I missed the bus, and then I lost my keys.
Usually, no. It almost always comes at the beginning to set the stage for what follows.
They are almost identical. To begin with feels slightly more formal or 'literary,' while to start with is more common in speech.
Not exactly. At first describes a change in state (e.g., At first I was sad, but now I'm happy). To start with introduces a list.
At least two points are best. If you only have one thing to say, just say it without the intro phrase.
Yes, it is used universally across all major English dialects, including British, American, and Australian English.
Yes, to describe the first thing that happened in a sequence. To start with, we went to the museum.
Expressions liées
First of all
A common way to introduce the most important first point.
For starters
An informal version of 'to start with' used in casual conversation.
To begin with
A slightly more formal synonym for introducing the first point.
First and foremost
Used to emphasize that the first point is the most important one.
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