must begin by vs must start by

Both 'must begin by' and 'must start by' are correct and commonly used phrases in English. They can be used interchangeably to indicate the initial action that needs to be taken. The choice between them depends on personal preference or the specific context in which they are used.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 2062 views

must begin by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate the first action or step that needs to be taken in a process or sequence.

Examples:

You must begin by reading the instructions carefully.
To solve the problem, we must begin by identifying the root cause.

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Mr President, I must begin by protesting at the nocturnal hour at which we are holding this debate and by thanking our Secretary-General, Julian Priestley, for being here.
Ladies and gentlemen, I must begin by informing you that, within the context of our interparliamentary relations, a delegation from the Knesset chaired by Mrs Naomi Blumenthal, Chairperson of the Delegation for Relations with the European Parliament, is visiting the European Parliament.
This is why we must begin by asking these questions.
If we want them to promote more information projects, then we must begin by helping them to amend their priorities and overcome the fear of the information society which still prevails.
At last we are beginning to talk about energy policy, but, rather than attacking protectionism, what we need to do is to create energy policy, and we must begin by creating what in English is known as a level playing field.
Mr President, I must begin by congratulating the rapporteur, Philip Charles Bradbourn, on the effort he has put into producing this report throughout its negotiation.
However, I must begin by saying that the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products in London has not received an application to authorize the marketing of the products that he refers to in his question.
I must begin by calling on Parliament to have a little modesty.
Nevertheless I believe that we must begin by emphasising the logic of our policy.
You mothers who boast of having a Christian home must begin by sowing the seed in your children.
Mr President, I must begin by thanking the rapporteurs.
Mr President, I must begin by referring to the last speech.
But we must begin by improving our own approach.
From the first point of view, the future Community act must begin by harmonising the criteria for awarding jurisdiction with regard to succession.
Mr President, I must begin by congratulating Mrs Pack on her work - she is a very active member of the European Parliament.
Mr President, I must begin by making it quite clear that we support this motion for a resolution to foster RTD co-operation with emerging economies.
Mr President, I think that we must begin by clarifying what the actual aim of the Aldo report is.
But I feel I must begin by saying how terribly upset I was by the news of his death.
I must begin by highlighting the entirely surreal nature of our meeting this evening.
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, I must begin by pointing out that the Commission has no direct responsibility where the law on bankruptcy is concerned.

Alternatives:

should start by
need to begin by
have to begin by
ought to start by
must commence by

must start by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate the initial action or step that is required to be taken at the beginning of a process or sequence.