Began on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Began on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the starting point of an event or action in time. Example: "The project began on January 15th, 2023."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Began on the 5th".

Huffington Post

It began on Feb.

The New York Times

It began on Dec. 9.

The New Yorker

The trial began on Monday.

The New York Times

Demolition began on a Tuesday.

The New York Times

Ramadan began on July 20.

The New York Times

The standoff began on Tuesday.

The New York Times - Sports

That treatment began on Monday.

The New York Times

Some began on the radio.

The New York Times

The controversy began on Feb.

The New York Times

(Part 3 began on Wednesday).

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the start of an event or process, always include a specific date or time reference after "began on" for accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "began at" when referring to a specific date; "began on" is the correct preposition for dates. "Began at" is typically used for times or locations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began on" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the specific date or time when an event, process, or activity commenced. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts, as demonstrated in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "began on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that denotes the starting date of an event or activity. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news reports and encyclopedic entries to more informal communications. While alternatives like "started on" exist, "began on" provides a clear and precise way to specify when something commenced. Common usage involves stating a specific date following the phrase, and it is important to avoid using "began at" when referring to dates. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news and media sources, as well as on Wikipedia and encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Started on

Replaces "began" with "started", a synonym, maintaining the same meaning.

Commenced on

Uses "commenced" instead of "began", offering a more formal alternative.

Initiated on

Substitutes "began" with "initiated", suggesting a formal start or introduction.

Was launched on

Replaces "began" with "was launched", implying a more significant or publicized start.

Kicked off on

Offers a more informal alternative to "began", using the phrasal verb "kicked off".

Got underway on

Replaces "began" with "got underway", indicating the start of a process or journey.

Originated on

Uses "originated" instead of "began", focusing on the source or origin of something.

Emerged on

Suggests that something "emerged" or came into existence on a specific date, differing slightly in connotation.

Was inaugurated on

Replaces "began" with "was inaugurated", typically used for formal beginnings or ceremonies.

Was established on

Indicates the founding or establishment of something on a particular date.

FAQs

How do you use "began on" in a sentence?

"Began on" is used to indicate the starting date of an event. For example, "The project "began on" Monday".

What is a good alternative to "began on"?

Alternatives include "started on", "commenced on", or "initiated on". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "began at" instead of "began on" when referring to a date?

No, it's more appropriate to use ""began on"" when referring to a date. "Began at" is generally used for times or locations.

What's the difference between ""began on"" and "started on"?

While they are often interchangeable, ""began on"" can sound slightly more formal than ""started on"". Both indicate the commencement of something, but the nuance may vary depending on the context.