to start with
In the beginning
To start with introduces the first point in a sequence or signals an initial condition.
It can enumerate reasons: To start with, we don't have the budget for it.
It can also mean at the beginning, before changes occurred: The whole plan was flawed to start with.
Interchangeable with to begin with.
Act of starting
- inceptionFounding moment
- outsetInitial point of something
- genesisPoint of creation
- dawnDay's first glow
onset · launch · kickoff · debut · threshold · emergence · advent · prologue
Tension-easing social activity
- orientationPosition relative to surroundings
- greetingExpression of welcome
- welcomingReceiving others warmly
- openerWhat begins something
primer · preface · foreword · preamble · introductory · initial contact · first impression · warm-up
Foundational preparation for something
- baseSupporting bottom structure
- baselineStandard for comparison
- cornerstoneFoundational building block
- bedrockSolid stone underground
footing · underpinning · framework · infrastructure · platform · anchor · root · core
commencement
Act of starting
dawn · onset · launch · kickoff · debut · threshold · emergence · advent · prologue · prelude
icebreaker
Tension-easing social activity
- orientationPosition relative to surroundings
- greetingExpression of welcome
- welcomingReceiving others warmly
opener · primer · preface · foreword · preamble · introductory · initial contact · first impression · warm-up · lead-in
groundwork
Foundational preparation for something
- baseSupporting bottom structure
- baselineStandard for comparison
- cornerstoneFoundational building block
bedrock · footing · underpinning · framework · infrastructure · platform · anchor · root · core · fundamentals
- beginning phrasesonce upon a time, in the beginning, first of all, first off, initially
to start within conclusion
Signals the ending
finally · lastly · to conclude · in closing · to wrap up
to start within the end
After all is considered
at the end · eventually · ultimately · at last · in retrospect
start, with, started, starting, startling, starter, restart, starts, starters