Let me start by saying

You use this phrase at the very beginning of a speech, an email, or a serious chat. You shouldn't bury it in the middle of a paragraph. It’s a 'lead-in' expression. Structure-wise, it’s always Let me start by saying followed by a complete clause (a subject and a verb). For example: Let me start by saying how much I appreciate your help. It’s like the intro music for a Netflix show—it tells you exactly what kind of mood to expect before the action starts. Just remember not to use it for every single sentence, or you’ll sound like a broken record player that’s trying too hard to be important. Once per conversation is usually plenty!

This phrase sits comfortably in the 'Formal' to 'Neutral' categories. You’ll hear it constantly in office Zoom calls, university lectures, and wedding toasts. It’s a B2-level phrase because it requires a bit of social awareness to use correctly. You wouldn't typically use it when texting your best friend about a funny cat meme—that would be way too stiff! However, if you're writing a LinkedIn post or a formal 'thank you' email to a recruiter, this phrase is your best friend. It makes you sound confident and articulate without sounding like you're reading from a 19th-century law book. It’s the 'business casual' of the English language: sharp but approachable.

Imagine you are at a job interview on Zoom. The interviewer asks why you want the job. You could say, Let me start by saying that I’ve followed your company’s growth for years. This sounds much more impressive than just saying I like your company. Or, imagine a YouTuber starting a 'Storytime' video about a travel disaster. They might say, Let me start by saying I never expected to end up in a jail in Bali. Boom! Instant engagement. It’s also great for emails. If you’re replying to a customer complaint, starting with Let me start by saying we truly value your feedback can immediately lower the tension. It shows you aren't defensive; you're listening.

Use this when the stakes are a little higher than usual. It’s perfect for delivering feedback, whether positive or negative. If you're giving a presentation, it's a great way to state your thesis. If you're writing a review for a product you loved (or hated), it helps you get straight to the point. It’s also very useful in conflict resolution. If you’re having a disagreement with a partner, saying Let me start by saying I love you and I want to fix this can prevent a full-blown argument. It reminds everyone of the 'big picture' before you get into the messy details.

Don't use this for trivial, everyday tasks. If you’re ordering a latte at a café, don't say, Let me start by saying I want oat milk. The barista will probably think you’re about to give a speech and might get confused. Also, avoid using it when you’re in a huge hurry. This phrase slows down the pace of communication, which is good for depth but bad for speed. If your house is on fire, don't say Let me start by saying there is a lot of smoke. Just yell Fire! Finally, don't use it if you aren't actually going to say something meaningful. It creates a high expectation; don't disappoint your audience with a boring follow-up!

One of the biggest blunders is using the wrong preposition. People often say ✗ Let me start to say or ✗ Let me start with saying. While people might understand you, it sounds 'off' to a native ear. The correct form is always by saying. Another mistake is the 'double-gerund' error: ✗ Let me starting by saying. That just sounds like a tongue-twister gone wrong. Also, watch out for the 'empty promise' mistake. Don't use this phrase and then ramble on for ten minutes without getting to the point. The whole goal is to be direct! If you use the intro, make sure the main act is worth the wait.

If you want to switch things up, there are a few other ways to say this. To begin with is a bit more standard and less personal. I’d like to kick things off by saying is a bit more energetic and casual—great for team meetings or workshops. For a very formal setting, you might use I would like to preface my remarks by stating. That one is definitely for the boardrooms and fancy galas! On the more casual side, people sometimes just say First off, I just want to say. This is common in YouTube vlogs or when chatting with a group of friends about a hot topic.

Is this phrase too formal for a text? It depends! For a quick 'U there?', yes, it’s too much. For a long, heartfelt message to someone you care about, it’s perfect. Does it sound like a cliché? Only if you use it in every single meeting. Use it sparingly for maximum impact. Is it better than 'Firstly'? Yes, because 'Firstly' can sound a bit dry and robotic, while Let me start by saying feels warmer and more human. It adds a touch of personality to your professional communication.