begin with + item/topic
Starting from the first point
Use 'begin with' for the first thing in a sequence or discussion.
We will begin with the safety rules
"begin with" or "begin in"?
'Begin with' and 'begin in' are both correct, but they answer different questions.
Quick answer
Using begin with and begin in
Use 'begin with' to introduce the first item, topic, or step. Use 'begin in' for location or time periods. The preposition is not chosen by 'begin' itself in every sentence; sometimes 'in' simply gives place or time information.
Let's begin with the main issue
The course begins in September
She began with a short introduction
The story begins in a small village
The course begins in September
She began with a short introduction
The story begins in a small village
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
begin in + place
Showing where something starts
Here, 'in' introduces a location where the action starts.
The film begins in Paris
begin in + time period
Showing when something starts
Use 'in' with months, years, or periods of time.
The programme begins in July
begin by + verb-ing
Describing the first action
Another common pattern is 'begin by' followed by a gerund.
He began by thanking the audience
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
begin with
The lesson begins with a review.
introduce the first part or item
begin in
The novel begins in the 1980s.
show place or time where something starts
begin by
She began by asking a question.
describe the first action taken
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using 'begin in' for the first topic
Use 'begin with' for subjects or items in a sequence.
✕ Let's begin in chapter one. ✓ Let's begin with chapter one.Forgetting that 'in' may show place or time
'In' is often an adjunct giving location or time, not a fixed verb pattern.
✕ The concert begins with 8 p.m. ✓ The concert begins at 8 p.m.Using a noun after 'begin by'
'Begin by' is usually followed by a verb ending in -ing.
✕ She began by a speech. ✓ She began by giving a speech.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. Let's begin ___ the easiest question.
2. The exhibition begins ___ October.
3. He began ___ explaining the rules.
Check your sentence in context
Paste the complete sentence below. Linguix checks the preposition together with grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style.
Free to try · No signup required
Frequently asked questions
Can 'begin in' describe a place?
Yes. For example, 'The journey begins in Rome'.
Is 'begin with' only for lists?
No. It can also introduce a conversation, speech, or process.
What is the difference between 'begin with' and 'start with'?
They are usually interchangeable in everyday English.
Related preposition guides
Write with confidence in Linguix
Create a free account to check complete texts, apply suggestions, and save your documents.
