# start with sb/sth

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- Let's start with the easiest questions first.
- We have many people to interview today, so we will start with the first candidate on the list.
- The lecturer decided to start with a brief overview of the historical context before delving into the specific data points of the study.

## Pitfalls

- Not "We start with to read the book." but "We start with the book." — the preposition 'with' must be followed by a noun or pronoun, not an infinitive verb.

## Usage notes

- the object is the first item in a series or the first step in a process.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'begin by' which is usually followed by a gerund; 'start with' is almost always followed by a noun phrase.

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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.