# begin with sth

CEFR A1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/begin-with-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

To use or do something as the first part of an activity or process.

For teachers: To use something as the initial element or starting point of a sequence, process, or list; a common transitive prepositional verb.

## Examples

- Let's begin with the easy questions first.
- The recipe begins with chopping the onions and garlic finely.
- His argument begins with the premise that all economic models are inherently flawed, a point he elaborates on throughout the subsequent chapters.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The class begins the grammar review." but "The class begins with the grammar review." — The preposition 'with' is required to introduce the starting activity or topic.

## Usage notes

- This phrase introduces the first item or step in a sequence.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'end with' or 'conclude with' to teach the structure of arguments, stories, or presentations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.