start with sb/sth

No — say "We start with the book.". the preposition 'with' must be followed by a noun or pronoun, not an infinitive verb.

Definition

phrasal verb. to begin a task or a list by using or talking about a specific person or thing first.

phrasal verb. to initiate a sequence, process, or discussion by addressing or utilizing a specific entity as the primary point of departure.

simple

“Let's start with the easiest questions first.”

contextual

“We have many people to interview today, so we will start with the first candidate on the list.”

complex

“The lecturer decided to start with a brief overview of the historical context before delving into the specific data points of the study.”

the object is the first item in a series or the first step in a process.

contrast with 'begin by' which is usually followed by a gerund; 'start with' is almost always followed by a noun phrase.

We start with to read the book.

We start with the book.

the preposition 'with' must be followed by a noun or pronoun, not an infinitive verb.

Particles

with

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

start + with + object

begin withopen withkick off with

end withfinish withconclude with