For Starter vs. For Starters – Which is Correct?
Use for starters when you mean “to begin with” or “as an initial point.” For starters is the standard idiom in American English and can introduce an additional reason. For starter is not correct for this meaning, though “starter” can be correct as a singular noun in other specific grammatical contexts.
For Starter or For Starters – Which is Correct?
For starters is the correct expression when you are introducing the first item in a list, the first reason in an argument, or an initial point. It can mean “to begin with,” “first of all,” or “as an example.”
For starter is not the standard form of this idiom. The confusion probably comes from treating starter as a singular noun. In the fixed expression, however, English uses the plural form starters: For starters, the plan is too expensive.
The singular word starter is still correct in other expressions, including a starter, the starter motor, and a dinner starter. The problem occurs when for starter is used alone to mean “to begin with.”
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Remember that for starters introduces a list or a series. The plural ending suggests that more points may follow: For starters, it is expensive; secondly, it is unreliable. If you mean “first of all,” always choose for starters.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| for starters | Fixed adverbial phrase | To begin with; first of all | For starters, we need a larger budget. |
| for starter | Nonstandard in this idiom | Not the accepted expression for “to begin with” | For starter, we need a larger budget. is incorrect. |
How to Use For Starters
For starters is an idiomatic adverbial phrase. It commonly appears at the beginning of a sentence and is followed by a comma. Speakers and writers use it to present the first point, reason, example, or objection. It often implies that additional points will follow.
The phrase works in casual conversation, professional communication, persuasive writing, reviews, reports, and academic-style explanations. It is somewhat conversational, but it is not grammatically informal or incorrect.
Example 1: For starters, the apartment is far too small for a family of five.
Example 2: We should postpone the launch. For starters, the software has not been tested.
Example 3: The restaurant has several advantages: for starters, the food is fresh and reasonably priced.
Etymology of the Phrase For Starters
For starters developed from the noun starter, which refers to a first item or beginning. In dining, a starter is the first course of a meal. The phrase later gained a figurative meaning: presenting the first point in a sequence or argument. In modern English, it functions as a fixed idiom rather than a literal reference to food or people who start something.
Because the phrase introduces an initial point, comparing it with Begin vs. Began clarifies how verb forms express beginnings.
Related Concepts
Understanding fixed phrases and the different roles of singular and plural nouns makes the distinction between for starter and for starters easier to remember.
- Fixed idiom: A fixed idiom is an established expression whose wording normally does not change. For starters is the accepted form, so replacing starters with starter makes the phrase sound nonstandard.
- Adverbial phrase: An adverbial phrase modifies a sentence, clause, or verb by explaining how, when, or under what circumstances something occurs. For starters modifies the entire statement that follows.
- Singular and plural nouns: Starter can be a singular noun, as in a starter motor or a dinner starter. The plural starters is required in the idiomatic expression for starters.
Examples from Media and Literature
For starters is especially common in journalism, criticism, essays, dialogue, and persuasive writing because it helps introduce an opening point.
- News writing: A report about a proposed policy may begin its criticism with, “For starters, the measure would cost more than originally estimated.”
- Film criticism: A review may explain, “For starters, the pacing is unusually slow,” before discussing the acting and cinematography.
- Restaurant journalism: A food review may use the phrase to introduce an initial strength, such as the quality of the ingredients.
- Fictional dialogue: A character defending a decision might say, “For starters, nobody asked whether I agreed.”
- Academic and opinion writing: An essay may introduce its first objection with for starters before presenting further evidence.
For Starters Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| To begin with | Used to introduce the first point or reason |
| First of all | Used to identify the first item in a sequence |
| Initially | At the beginning of a process or discussion |
| For one thing | Used to introduce one reason or consideration |
| As a first point | A clear, formal way to introduce the opening point |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “for starter” grammatically correct?
Not when you mean “to begin with” or “first of all.” The standard expression is for starters. The singular word starter can appear in other noun phrases, such as a starter motor.
Question 2: Should “for starters” be followed by a comma?
Usually, yes. When for starters appears at the beginning of a sentence, a comma normally follows it: For starters, the schedule is unrealistic. The comma may be omitted when the phrase appears later in a sentence, depending on the structure.
Question 3: Is “for starters” formal or informal?
It is widely accepted in both conversation and writing. It has a slightly conversational tone, so a more formal alternative may be to begin with, initially, or as a first consideration.
Conclusion
Choose for starters when you mean “to begin with,” “first of all,” or “as an initial point.” For starter is not the correct form of this idiom, although starter is a valid singular noun in other contexts. Pro Tip: Using the established expression in professional writing demonstrates grammatical accuracy and helps protect your credibility.
