Meaning
Used to introduce the first point in a series or to start a discussion.
Primary Function
Discourse organizing
Communicative Purpose
Signals the start of a list or argument, establishes structure
Pattern
To begin with
Core Structure
To begin with
Função primária
Discourse organizing
Propósito comunicativo
Signals the start of a list or argument, establishes structure
Situações de gatilho
Initiating a speech, essay, or meeting; starting a list of reasons
Contextos
Academic essays, professional presentations, everyday explanations
Padrão
To begin with
Estrutura central
To begin with
Slots de substituição
none (fixed)
Colocados típicos
- firstly
- secondly
- finally
Substituições comuns
- First of all
- First and foremost
Erros comuns
Using 'To begin' without 'with'; not placing a comma after the phrase
Similar / contraste
To start with, First and foremost
Interferências
Romance language speakers may omit 'with'
Família do chunk
- sequencing openers
Nuance
Neutral, appropriate for both spoken and written; slightly more formal than 'First of all'
Efeito pragmático
Signals orderly thinking, listener/reader expects more points to follow
Dica de memória
begin with
Nota
A phrase to introduce the first point or start a discussion in a structured way.
Upgrade path
from 'first' to 'to begin with' to 'as a starting point'
Log in to save chunks.