そもそも + clause

[In the first place / To begin with / Fundamentally]

Connection: そもそも + clause (used at the beginning of a sentence)

Usage: Used to go back to the origin or fundamental point of a discussion. Can express (1) questioning the basic premise — "was this right in the first place?" or (2) providing background — "originally / to begin with." Often used when re-examining assumptions or pointing out that the starting point was wrong.

Similar expressions:

• もともと = originally (more neutral, factual)
• 元来 = originally / by nature (formal)
• だいたい = in the first place (more colloquial, critical tone)

Examples:

そもそも、なぜこの計画を始めたのか。(In the first place, why did we start this plan?)

そもそも彼に頼んだのが間違いだった。(It was a mistake to ask him in the first place.)

そもそもこの問題は、コミュニケーション不足から生まれたものだ。(Fundamentally, this problem arose from a lack of communication.)