began accumulating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began accumulating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the start of a process where something is being gathered or collected over time. Example: "Over the years, the organization began accumulating a vast amount of data on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Instead, at age 13 he began accumulating postcards from the past.

The New York Times

As he began accumulating these documents, Regan thought carefully about the next steps in his plan.

The Guardian

But with Russell handling the financial end, Kopseng began accumulating distressed oil and gas wells.

The New York Times - Magazine

That was the first time Mr. Henze had heard mention of the camps, but soon the evidence began accumulating.

The New York Times - Arts

As word of the incident spread, flowers and get-well cards began accumulating at the tree's base.

The New York Times

The two began accumulating a stake in the Irkutsk Aluminum Plant, with a strict division of labor.

The New Yorker

Ms. Rogers-Gessert said that she had to face reality when the building started coming down around her, and construction dust began accumulating inside her apartment.

The New York Times

In 1996, Mr. Conheady began accumulating shares of the Serco Group of Southall, England, also to capitalize on growth in outsourcing.

The New York Times

Frank Woolworth began accumulating his 5-and-10-cent 5-and-10-cent 5-and-10-cent 5-and-10-centned a headquarterstoreNew York City.

The New York Times

It was here that in 2002 Markram began accumulating data on a section of the rat neocortex no larger than a pinhead.

The Guardian

But at around the same time, members of ISIS, or the Islamic State, bearing black flags, began accumulating in the nearby town of Slouk.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "began accumulating" to clearly indicate the starting point of a process where items or assets are being collected or gathered over a period of time. This phrase provides a sense of gradual increase and accumulation, so ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "began accumulating" when describing a single, isolated event of obtaining something. This phrase implies a process unfolding over time, not a one-time acquisition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began accumulating" functions as a verb phrase indicating the start of a process of gathering or collecting something over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and the examples provided in Ludwig illustrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "began accumulating" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the commencement of a gathering or collection process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific discourse. It’s most often found in journalistic content, but also makes appearances in scientific research and encyclopedic entries. The phrase implies a gradual increase over time. When writing, ensure that the phrase is used to depict a process that unfolds over a period of time, not a single event. Alternatives include "started gathering", "initiated collection", and "commenced amassing", each offering subtle differences in formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started gathering

Emphasizes the act of bringing things together, often in a less formal context.

began to acquire

Focuses on the act of gaining possession of something over time.

initiated collection

Implies a more organized and deliberate start to collecting.

started building up

Suggests a gradual increase in quantity over time.

commenced amassing

Suggests the gradual gathering of a large quantity of something.

initiated the buildup

Similar to "started building up" but with a more formal tone.

set about acquiring

Highlights the intention and effort put into obtaining something.

embarked on accumulating

Emphasizes the beginning of a longer-term process of gathering.

started to accrue

Refers to the gradual accumulation of something, often debts or interest.

began to garner

Implies the gathering of support, attention, or other intangible assets.

FAQs

How can I use "began accumulating" in a sentence?

You can use "began accumulating" to describe the start of a process of gathering or collecting something over time. For example, "The company "began accumulating" data on customer preferences last year".

What are some alternatives to "began accumulating"?

Some alternatives include "started gathering", "initiated collection", or "commenced amassing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "started accumulating" instead of "began accumulating"?

Both "started accumulating" and "began accumulating" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference or the desired level of formality.

What's the difference between "began accumulating" and "completed accumulating"?

"Began accumulating" describes the starting point of a collection process, while "completed accumulating" indicates the process is finished. They represent opposite ends of the same action.