as things began

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as things began" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the starting point of a situation or event, often in a narrative context. Example: "As things began to unfold, we realized the challenges we would face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

As things began to crumble into chaos, he decided to fight for it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then, just as things began to look brighter, she sent three of her sons off to war.

The New York Times

She added: "As things began to go wrong, the firm didn't wake up quickly enough to the size and the scale of the problems.

Independent

Then, just as things began to look up, the euro crisis crushed Britain's biggest export market.By 2013 the IMF was complaining that Britain remained "a long way from a strong and sustainable recovery".

The Economist

But just as things began to stabilise the world economy slumped: it was in mid-2009, only months after the new product had launched, that they hit a low point.

The Guardian

In the Sixties and Seventies, as things began to change and the knowledge and demand for Mediterranean ingredients took hold of the cooks and shopkeepers, seasonality began to be lost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Fortunately, just as things begin to sag, totalitarianism comes to the rescue.

The New York Times - Books

In episode two, there is a return to that creeping stillness which so infused the first two series, as things begin to get really very dark.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As things begin to mesh for the Jets, the Patriots are fielding their worst secondary in six seasons, allowing an average of 314 yards passing a game.

The New York Times - Sports

However, Flashes just keeps you guessing with the storyline as things begin to get really strange and the answers are never the obvious ones.

The Guardian

As things begin to fall, it's all through their perspective and their POV.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as things began" to set the stage or provide context at the start of a narrative or explanation. It helps to establish a temporal relationship between events.

Common error

Ensure that the tense in the main clause aligns with the past tense implied by "as things began". Avoid switching to present tense without a clear reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as things began" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by indicating when the action or state described in that clause occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as things began" functions as an adverbial clause of time, commonly used to introduce initial conditions or circumstances. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's crucial to maintain tense consistency and choose alternatives like "initially" or "at the start" based on intended emphasis. Remember to align the tense in the main clause and consider context to select the most appropriate phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when it started

Indicates a temporal beginning.

in the beginning

Emphasizes the earliest stage or phase.

at first

Indicates the primary or earliest in a sequence.

initially

Highlights the initial state or action.

at the start

Focuses on the initial moment rather than a process.

as it commenced

Uses a more formal tone to denote the beginning.

from the outset

Highlights a clear starting point or intention.

as it unfolded

Emphasizes the process of events revealing themselves.

at its inception

Focuses on the formal establishment or start.

in its infancy

Highlights the early, undeveloped stage.

FAQs

How can I use "as things began" in a sentence?

You can use "as things began" to introduce the initial circumstances or conditions of a situation. For instance, "As things began to escalate, we realized the severity of the problem."

What are some alternatives to using "as things began"?

Alternatives include "in the beginning", "at the start", or "initially", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "as things begin" instead of "as things began"?

While "as things begin" is grammatically correct, it implies a present or future scenario. "As things began" is used to describe past events or situations.

What's the difference between "as things began" and "as things were beginning"?

"As things began" suggests a more immediate start, while "as things were beginning" implies a gradual or unfolding process at the start.