Would it be correct to assume that the ~を始めとする construction is more formal than the ~を始め? If so, I think it ought to be noted in the usage notes, but I'm not sure enough to add a note myself!
Go ahead and add it! I believe you're right, and if you're not 100% sure about it, just make a note about being a bit iffy - users can vote notes up/down depending on accuracy - they can comment down here as well if they see something wrong.
Hello Guys,
If をはじめ／をはじめとする is translated into "For example" then why in the sentence examples provided by many fellow users, is this grammar tranlated into either "Starting with..." or "First...". Could someone please suggest the proper translation for this grammar?
Cheers!!!
It can be translated in both ways - but it's best to keep both in mind. The reason for this is that this grammar is used to give an example out of a list, and is most often the "most important" member/item of that list (hence the starting with).
One thing I hear every year at the various ceremonies at work/school is when they thank the teachers, and say something like
"校長をはじめ[omitted]ありおがとうございます。”
You thank the principal first, as he/she is the "most" important, and usually don't mention the other teachers because it would not be practical to give a full list of the teachers.
