to begin by vs to begin with

Both "to begin by" and "to begin with" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "To begin by" is used to introduce the first action in a series of actions, while "to begin with" is used to introduce the initial point or reason in a discussion.

Last updated: April 04, 2024 • 353 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce the first action in a series of actions.

"to begin by "

Use "to begin by" when you want to introduce the first action in a series of actions or steps.

Examples:

To begin by washing the vegetables, then chop them finely.
Let's begin by reviewing the main points of the presentation.

Show examples from the web [+]

I would like to begin by first addressing the issue of Mark Fuhrman.
I want to begin by telling you about where I live.
Now, I wanted to begin by...
I'd like to begin by talking about Assistant Director Weller.
So it seems appropriate to begin by talking about the greatest English philosopher, John Locke.
Permit me to begin by reading two letters.
I wish to begin by thanking Cardinal Laurean Rugambwa for his kind words of welcome.
Any strategy aiming at a knowledge-based society has to begin by improving education and training.
Mr President, allow me to begin by thanking the Danish Presidency for its good work.
Mr President, I want to begin by congratulating Mr González Triviño with his report.
I should like to begin by responding to the words of Maij-Weggen.
I wish to begin by thanking the Commissioner for that very helpful response.
Mr President, I wish to begin by speaking about Ireland.
But we have to begin by summoning up the necessary courage and strength.
Mr President, I should like to begin by pointing out a technical correction.
Mr President, I would like to begin by presenting my thanks for a good debate with many constructive contributions.
Mr President, I wish to begin by commenting on the necessity of conditionality.
I want to begin by explaining the Commission's views on Amendments 2 and 3.
I should indeed like to begin by commending Commissioner de Palacio on her work.
I too would like to begin by congratulating Mrs Malmström on this report.

Alternatives:

to start by
to commence by
to initiate by
to kick off by
to lead off by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce the initial point or reason in a discussion.

"to begin with"

Use "to begin with" when you want to introduce the initial point or reason in a discussion or argument.

Examples:

To begin with, let's address the main issue at hand.
I don't think we should go, to begin with, it's too late.

Show examples from the web [+]

Or maybe it never existed to begin with.
Fifteen or 20 pulls to begin with.
We all feel that way to begin with.
You're on your own to begin with.
Then the computer might not be hers to begin with.
We used my bankroll to begin with.
It wasn't private to begin with.
No other department has one to begin with.
You got two weeks suspension without pay to begin with.
It was a bad case to begin with.
It was never yours to begin with.
Except why Mark tortured Zoey to begin with.
I was the one who approached him about forging peace to begin with.
I'm not really clear what brought you down here to begin with.
She had emotional and psychological deficits to begin with.
I say these lovelies should have their own counter, to begin with.
Just some basic information to begin with, Mrs. Brooks.
This was mine to begin with.
You never wanted to hire her to begin with.
She should never have been in prison to begin with.

Alternatives:

to start with
to commence with
to initiate with
to kick off with
to lead off with

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to begin by vs to begin with

"to begin by "

"to begin with"

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