Collocations about Beginnings and Endings

Collocations about Beginnings and Endings (B2–C1 Vocabulary)

Hello dear English learners! Today, we are exploring a lovely set of collocations connected to beginnings, endings, and the whole journey in between. These expressions appear frequently in everyday conversation, storytelling, academic writing, and business English — and they’re especially useful for Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced learners.

Mastering them will help you speak with greater precision, write with confidence, and describe events in a more natural, sophisticated way. Each collocation below comes with a clear explanation and example sentences so you can see it in action.

Let’s begin — from start to finish!

1. Collocations for the Whole Experience

From beginning to end

Use this to say something remains the same throughout the entire experience.

• The book was gripping from beginning to end.
• Will you tell me the whole story from beginning to end?

From start to finish

Similar to the expression above, but often used for events, processes, or performances.

• The film was entertaining from start to finish.
• His explanation was a lie from start to finish.

2. Collocations for Starting Something

To start from the beginning

Use this when you want someone to explain something from the very first detail.

• Please start from the beginning and tell me exactly what happened.
• When the police question you, start from the beginning and give them all the facts.

First and foremost

We use this to highlight the most important or fundamental point.

• Although Sandra wrote a novel, she is first and foremost a journalist.
• I’m concerned, first and foremost, about the children’s safety.

From / at the outset

This expression emphasises that something was clear or happened right at the beginning.

• It was obvious from the outset that the project would face difficulties.
• Maria told Steven at the outset that she wasn’t interested in dating him.

Right from the start

Very similar to from the outset, but more conversational.

• Right from the start, the children disliked living in Australia.
• The new employee showed excellent communication skills right from the start.

Initial reaction

Refers to the first feeling, thought, or response at the very beginning of a situation.

• When he proposed, my initial reaction was to say yes.
• The initial reaction to the news was shock and disbelief.

First thought

Your earliest idea or response.

• When I heard the rumour, my first thought was to call him.
• Our hostel wasn’t as bad as I first thought.

To get off to a good/bad start

To begin something well or badly.

• If we get off to a good start this year, we may even win an international award.
• Many musicians struggle because they get off to a bad start in their careers.

A fresh start

A completely new beginning, usually after difficulties or change.

• After years of stress, Lucy moved to Scotland for a fresh start.
• January always feels like the perfect time for a fresh start.

3. Collocations for Ending Something

Once and for all

Used when something is settled or finished completely.

• Let’s solve this problem once and for all.
• After ten years abroad, Brenda returned to England once and for all.

To the bitter end

To continue doing something difficult until it is fully complete.

• The workers were determined to fight for their rights to the bitter end.
• Despite some unpleasant scenes, they watched the film to the bitter end.

To draw a line under something

To close a chapter and decide not to return to it.

• It’s time to draw a line under this argument and move on.
• After the report was published, the team wanted to draw a line under the whole issue.

To mark the beginning / end of something

Used for important events, transitions, or milestones.

• The ceremony marked the beginning of the festival.
• His retirement marked the end of an era for our company.

A new chapter

A fresh and important stage of life.

• Moving abroad opened a new chapter in her life.
• Graduating from university felt like the start of a new chapter.

Collocations connected to beginnings and endings help you describe life’s transitions — big and small — in a natural, expressive way. Try using a few of these expressions in your next conversation, email, or piece of writing. If you’re preparing for FCE or CAE, you’ll find them especially useful for essays, narratives, and speaking tasks.

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