to start with

1. Also, to begin with. In the first place, initially, as in We'll notify him by e-mail to start with, or To begin with, they haven't paid their taxes in years. The first term dates from the second half of the 1800s, the variant from the mid-1500s. Also see for openers.

Example Sentences

“It feels like such a huge job, it’s overwhelming, but we’ve got to start with policy. We want to implement policies that truly help now and the next generation.”

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He plans to encourage them to start with community college or attend a state school.

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It’s OK to start with a light vest, but getting an adjustable one is recommended, so you can increase the weight.

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The policies that most of the country are the most interested in - what is in the Budget - have not been nailed down, and depend on the ping pong about to start with the OBR over its forecasting process.

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Perhaps, and No 10 fervently hopes, Sir Keir will wow the crowds at conference, and display why he earned the job to start with, and won the election in the first place.

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Related Words

• initially 
• originally