to begin with

phrase

: as the first thing to be considered

Examples of to begin with in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These reproductions are surprisingly effective, partly because the tapestry was made by many hands to begin with, and free embroidery is not an art of finesse. — John Phipps, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026

Beyond that, the best storage method will depend on how ripe the avocados are to begin with. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 2 Sep. 2026

For years, the SEC and CFTC had not settled that question clearly enough for the market to move with confidence, creating friction when there was none to begin with. — Manny Khan, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

This was an unusual-feeling time to begin with, what made it so that coincidences seemed like the work of destiny. — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026