began directly to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began directly to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the immediate start of an action or process without delay. Example: "She began directly to implement the new strategy as soon as it was approved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"They began directly to buy votes.

The New York Times

Last fall, for instance, Loren Kaye, president of the California Foundation for Commerce and Education, a think tank affiliated with the California Chamber of Commerce, warned that Californians could rebel when a gas surcharge related to cutting carbon emissions began directly to hit the state's motorists this year.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And this summer, Pfizer plans to begin directly advertising the inhaler to patients.

The New York Times

Kerry's words came as senior US officials said the Obama administration has begun directly providing weapons to Kurdish forces who have started to make gains against the militants.

The Guardian

Mr. Romney had hoped a commanding victory over Mr. Santorum in Ohio would add another Midwestern battleground state to his tally and provide new latitude to begin directly engaging Mr. Obama.

The New York Times

Although voluntary, this request motivated most producers to begin directly reusing a major fraction of their produced water or reusing it after treatment in dedicated commercial treatment plants that are equipped to handle its contaminants.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Midway immediately began selling directly to consumers, in addition to selling to dealers.

Huffington Post

Mr O'Donnell's team will begin reporting directly to Mr. Hemsley by the end of the summer.

The New York Times

Russian Aluminum, one of the world's largest aluminum producers, said it would begin selling directly to local buyers in Asia next year, bypassing global metals traders.

The New York Times

Last year, we partnered with Lineage Capital, which took a minority stake in Mud Pie, and have begun selling directly to customers through a new Web site.

The New York Times

Wal-Mart's initiative is the largest push by a Western supermarket group into the Indian market, and analysts see it as the first stage in a long campaign to begin selling directly to Indian shoppers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "began directly to" to emphasize the immediate and unmediated start of an action, especially when contrasting it with a previously delayed or indirect approach. This highlights efficiency and a proactive stance.

Common error

Avoid using "began directly to" in simple narratives where a straightforward "began to" is sufficient. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began directly to" functions as a purpose connector, indicating the immediate initiation of an action. According to Ludwig, it suggests a start without delay. This is consistent with examples showcasing its use in describing prompt actions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science & Research

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "began directly to" is a grammatically correct phrase used to highlight the immediate commencement of an action. While considered acceptable as stated by Ludwig, it's relatively rare in occurrence. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, emphasizing a proactive and efficient start. When writing, use it to underscore the absence of intermediaries or delays, but avoid overuse in simple narratives. Consider alternatives like "started immediately to" for a similar effect or more formal options like "commenced forthwith to". The primary communicative goal is to emphasize that an action started with no delays or intermediaries. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in varied professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started immediately to

Emphasizes the lack of delay in initiating the action.

proceeded at once to

Highlights the lack of hesitation or delay in moving forward with the action.

initiated instantly to

Focuses on the instantaneous start of the process.

undertook immediately

Simple and direct replacement, focusing on starting the action immediately.

commenced forthwith to

A more formal and emphatic way to express immediate commencement.

moved without delay to

Highlights the absence of any delay before starting the action.

acted promptly to

Emphasizes the quick and decisive action taken.

embarked right away on

Suggests the commencement of an action or journey without any postponement.

jumped straight into

Conveys a sense of enthusiasm and directness in starting the action.

launched headlong into

Implies a rapid and forceful entry into the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "began directly to" to emphasize the immediacy of an action. For example: "The company "began directly to" implement the changes after the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "began directly to"?

Some alternatives include "started immediately to", "commenced forthwith to", or "proceeded at once to". The choice depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "began directly to" instead of just "began to"?

Use "began directly to" when you want to emphasize the lack of intermediaries or delay in starting an action. It highlights a proactive and efficient approach, unlike the more general "began to".

Is "began directly to" formal or informal?

"Began directly to" leans toward the formal side but is suitable for professional or news contexts when emphasizing immediacy. More informal options like "jumped straight into" might be better in casual settings.