to begin with vs to begin

Both "to begin with" and "to begin" are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. "To begin with" is used to introduce the first point in a series of points or reasons, while "to begin" is used to simply indicate the start of an action or process.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1141 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce the first point in a series of points or reasons.

"to begin with"

Use "to begin with" to introduce the first point in a series of points or reasons. It is often used in writing or speaking to structure arguments or explanations.

Examples:

To begin with, we need to assess the current situation.
To begin with, let's consider the main factors influencing the decision.
To begin with, there are several key issues that need to be addressed.
To begin with, I'd like to point out the main advantages of this approach.
To begin with, we must acknowledge the challenges ahead.

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:

firstly
initially
to start with
in the first place
first and foremost

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate the start of an action or process.

"to begin"

Use "to begin" to simply indicate the start of an action or process. It is a more straightforward way of expressing the beginning of something.

Examples:

I am ready to begin the project.
Let's begin the meeting.
She will begin her speech shortly.
The concert will begin at 7 p.m.
We can begin the training session now.

Show examples from the web [+]

Dear friends, the show is about to begin.
We'll need 50 doses to begin...
But her trial is about to begin.
Now we are ready to begin, Bartholomew.
Your Honour, court's about to begin.
So to begin to answer these questions, we did a research study.
Senator, we were just about to begin without you.
Dead! My revenge is about to begin.
Please deposit $2,000 to begin connection.
All they needed to begin replicating.
Clear-headed. Almost ready to begin again.
Ready to begin final countdown for rocket launch.
Military involvement was due to begin in October 1932.
Click OK to begin license validation.
Click link for desired license to begin ordering.
Press the to begin processing the image.
Issue the mkraid/dev/md0 command to begin the mirror initialization.
The Slovenian Presidency decided to begin negotiations in 2008.
Simply connect the USB cable to begin playing.
Click to begin to set chapters.

Alternatives:

start
commence
initiate
kick off
get started

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to begin with vs to begin

"to begin with"

"to begin"

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