to start with
3 antonyms for to start with — opposites grouped by meaning.
Phrase — Used to introduce the first item in a series of points, criticisms or reasons.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. phrase
Used to introduce the first item in a series of points, criticisms or reasons.
“To start with, nobody told us the venue had changed.”
2. phrase
At the beginning; in the initial period, before things developed differently.
“We only planned to stay a week to start with.”
Opposites
Antonyms
How to use to start with
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
to start with, there was
only meant to be temporary to start with
wasn't working to start with
Neutral to informal. As a list marker it often signals that a complaint is being built up point by point.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between "to start with" and "to begin with"?
They mean the same thing and can be swapped freely. "To start with" is a shade more informal and more common in speech, while "to begin with" turns up more often in writing.
Is "to start with" formal?
It is neutral and safe in most writing, including business email. In very formal or academic prose, "firstly" or "in the first instance" would be a closer fit.
