phrase

to begin with

tuh bih-GIN with

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To begin with (phrase) means used to introduce the first point in a list of reasons or objections, often signalling that more will follow. Example: “To begin with, the figures don't add up.”

phrase

Used to introduce the first point in a list of reasons or objections, often signalling that more will follow.

"To begin with, the figures don't add up."

"I'm not going. To begin with, I wasn't even invited."

At the outset; in the earliest stage of something, before matters changed.

"The house was a wreck to begin with, so we expected surprises."

"There were only four of us to begin with."

How to use to begin with

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither "first of all" or "at the start".

When to use it

Neutral, common in both speech and writing. As a list marker it often carries a faintly argumentative tone, hinting that further complaints are coming.

Memory tip

Which meaning applies depends on position: at the front of a sentence it usually means "firstly"; at the end it usually means "initially".

Easily confused with

to start with → first of all → in the beginning

Common pairings

to begin with, there is was never there to begin with shouldn't have to begin with

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “to begin with” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____, the figures don't add up.

Synonyms

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first of all firstly for a start in the first place initially at first originally at the outset

Antonyms

eventually in the end later

Related words

first following later late soon finally earlier immediately

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between "to begin with" and "to start with"?

There is no difference in meaning; both work for introducing a first point and for describing an initial state. "To start with" is slightly more casual, and "to begin with" reads marginally more formal, but the two are interchangeable in almost every sentence.

Do you need a comma after "to begin with"?

Yes, when it opens a sentence as a discourse marker: "To begin with, the deadline is unrealistic." No comma is needed when it means "initially" and falls at the end: "There were only three of us to begin with."

What is the meaning of to begin with?

"to begin with" (phrase) means used to introduce the first point in a list of reasons or objections, often signalling that more will follow.

What is another word for to begin with?

Other words for "to begin with" include first of all, firstly, for a start, in the first place, initially, at first.

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first following later late soon finally earlier immediately