I began to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I began to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the start of a state or condition in one's life or experience. Example: "I began to be more aware of my surroundings after moving to the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I began to be scared.

The New Yorker

And I began to be: Wow.

The New York Times

I began to be glad of a few things.

The New York Times

I began to be a bit scared of her.

Independent

I began to be more open to the idea.

Independent

After the Munich settlement I began to be anxious".

The New Yorker

"I began to be really frightened of people, things, places.

The New York Times

In June , 1994 I began to be constantly bored.

The New Yorker

Instead, she said: "I began to be in constant leg and back pain.

The New York Times - Science

I began to be a woman at twelve, or more properly, a genius.

The New Yorker

I began to be regarded with some esteem all along East 94th Street.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using a more specific verb following "I began to" for increased clarity. For instance, "I began to understand" or "I began to feel" can be more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "I began to be" without a clear descriptor of the state or condition you're referring to. Vague sentences like "I began to be at that point" lack substance. Always specify what you began to be or feel for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I began to be" functions as an intransitive verb phrase indicating the commencement of a state of being or a transition into a new condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. It sets the stage for describing a change or evolution in the subject's experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Huffington Post

10%

Less common in

Vice

3%

Forbes

2%

Los Angeles Times

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I began to be" is a versatile phrase used to mark the onset of a state, feeling, or condition. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in narrative contexts. It's important to follow it with a clear descriptor to avoid vagueness. While similar to phrases like "I started to become", it offers a slightly more formal tone. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, reflecting its role in storytelling and personal narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started to become

Emphasizes the initiation of a process of becoming, similar to "I began to be" but focuses more on gradual change.

I came to be

Suggests an eventual arrival at a certain state or condition. Implies a process leading to the final state.

I started being

Highlights the act of being in a particular state from a certain point onwards.

I grew to be

Focuses on a gradual development over time into a specific state.

I commenced being

A more formal way to express the start of being in a certain state.

I found myself

Highlights a surprising and unexpected development or realization of being in that state.

I turned out to be

Suggests that the final state was different from what was initially expected.

I was becoming

Highlights the continuous nature of transition.

I was starting to get

More colloquial; indicates the beginning of experiencing a feeling or state.

I began feeling

Specifies the emotion experienced instead of the general state of being.

FAQs

How can I use "I began to be" in a sentence?

Use "I began to be" to describe the start of a feeling, state, or condition. For example, "I began to be more confident after practicing my presentation" or "I began to be worried about the upcoming storm".

What are some alternatives to "I began to be"?

You can use alternatives like "I started to become", "I came to be", or "I started being depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "I began to be" or "I started to be"?

Both "I began to be" and "I started to be" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. However, "began" might sound slightly more formal than "started".

What is the difference between "I began to be" and "I began to feel"?

"I began to be" describes the start of a general state or condition, while "I began to feel" specifies the start of an emotional experience. For instance, "I began to be aware" versus "I began to feel anxious".