to start with

Idioms  

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.

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Example Sentences

When I started The Swell newsletter last December, I wanted the bonus culture recommendation to start with Salon’s staff before incorporating other experts, journalists and industry luminaries as guests.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

"I think any organisation needs to start with the welfare of those who have come forward," said John Shield, former director of communications at the BBC.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

“You have to understand camera composition, which shots are changed. Like you can’t have two close-ups back to back, you have to start with an establishing shot,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

“You’ve just got to start with the first one,” defenseman Mikey Anderson said after a fast-paced 45-minute practice Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

Sure, I was anxious to get out of there as fast as I could, but I’d expected him to start with the usual sales pitch to stay in Greenwood.

From "Mississippi Trial, 1955" by Chris Crowe

Related Words

• initially
• originally