began flying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began flying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the start of the action of flying, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "After months of training, she finally began flying solo in her new aircraft."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lawsuits began flying.

The New York Times

It began flying passengers bet.

The New Yorker

It began flying in 2005.

The New York Times

Hamas rockets began flying again.

The New Yorker

Mr. Howard began flying as a teenager.

The New York Times

In 1956 she began flying lessons, qualifying in 1958.

The Guardian

His father began flying in Alaska in the early 1940s.

The New York Times

Wizz Air began flying to Poprad from Luton in October.

Independent

As he stood on the street, warplanes began flying overhead.

The New Yorker

JetBlue began flying into Long Beach in 2001.

The New York Times

She had started the snowblower and the powder began flying.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "began flying" to clearly and concisely indicate the commencement of flight, whether referring to aircraft, individuals, or even metaphorical situations. Ensure the context supports the literal or figurative use of the phrase.

Common error

While "began flying" is acceptable in most contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing where more precise or sophisticated vocabulary might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "commenced aerial operations" or "initiated flight procedures".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began flying" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of the action of flying. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The examples show its use across diverse subjects, all centered around the initiation of flight.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "began flying" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the start of the action of flying. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. Its versatility is evident from its presence in a wide range of contexts, from news reports and encyclopedic entries to personal narratives. While suitable for most situations, writers should consider more formal alternatives in highly technical contexts. The phrase sees common use in "News & Media" with 65%, according to the source analysis. The guidance provided offers best practices and highlights potential pitfalls to ensure effective communication. This phrase is indeed a very common one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started flying

Simple change of verb, 'started' instead of 'began', meaning remains the same.

commenced flying

Replaces 'began' with the more formal 'commenced', indicating a slightly more formal tone.

initiated flight

Uses 'initiated' and the noun 'flight' instead of the verb 'flying', altering the structure slightly.

took to the skies

More figurative, implying the act of flying in a descriptive manner.

started aerial operations

Formal and specific, suggesting organized flying activities.

became airborne

Focuses on the state of being in the air, rather than the action of starting to fly.

inaugurated air service

Refers specifically to the start of a scheduled flight service.

pioneered aviation

Suggests the beginning of flying in a new or innovative way.

launched into flight

Emphasizes the action of starting a flight with a sense of energy or purpose.

embarked on an aerial journey

More descriptive and literary, suggesting a journey through the air.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "began flying"?

You can use alternatives like "started flying", "commenced flying", or "initiated flight" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "began flying" grammatically correct?

Yes, "began flying" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of "begin" followed by the gerund form of "fly", which is a standard construction to indicate the start of an action.

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

You can use "began flying" to describe the start of aerial activity. For example, "The airline "began flying" new routes last year" or "He "began flying" lessons at the age of 16".

What's the difference between "began flying" and "started to fly"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, ""began flying"" often implies a continuous action that followed the beginning, whereas "started to fly" might emphasize the initial attempt or action of flying.