began loading

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began loading" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the start of a process where something is being loaded, such as data, files, or materials. Example: "The system began loading the new software update as soon as the user clicked the install button."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

He began loading his guns with hollow-point bullets.

The New Yorker

Moore began loading boxes onto a hand truck.

The New Yorker

The man of the family began loading them into the trunk.

The New York Times

In 2004, he began loading cartoons onto funbrain.com from journals he had been keeping since 1998.

The New York Times

Mr. Meehan last week began loading pieces of the display for the trip north.

The New York Times

Shortly after arriving, she walked into the nearby Food Emporium at Union Square and began loading up her cart.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

In late January, Mast employees begin loading the Outback Red line onto jets for the journey to California and New York.

The New York Times - Magazine

The agency said in a report last week that Iran planned to begin loading nuclear fuel in the second quarter of 2009.

The New York Times

At any moment now a truck or carriage would certainly arrive and workers would begin loading its cargo onto the train.

The Guardian - Books

Typically, the holiday spike in e-book sales starts on Christmas Day as people who receive digital readers for gifts begin loading their devices.

The New York Times - Books

When the cameras stopped, she said, his face suddenly became expressionless and he barked an order for the officers to begin loading the men and boys onto the buses that took them to their deaths.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "began loading" to clearly indicate the commencement of a loading process, whether it's physical items, data, or software. This phrase is suitable for a variety of contexts and provides clarity about the start of the action.

Common error

Ensure that the context makes it clear what is being loaded. Vague use can lead to confusion. For example, instead of saying 'The system began loading', specify 'The system began loading the new software update'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began loading" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of an action. It specifies the starting point of the process of loading something, whether it be physical objects or data. Ludwig shows many examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "began loading" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate the start of a loading process. As Ludwig shows, it is frequently used in news and media, as well as in more general contexts such as encyclopedias and wikis. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, though it's important to ensure clarity regarding what is being loaded. Alternatives like "started loading" or "commenced loading" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to specify what is being loaded to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started loading

Simple synonym, replaces "began" with "started" for a slightly less formal tone.

commenced loading

A more formal alternative, using "commenced" instead of "began".

initiated loading

Similar to "commenced", but with a slightly different nuance, emphasizing the start of a process.

proceeded to load

Focuses on the sequential action of loading, suggesting it followed another action.

set about loading

Implies a deliberate or planned start to the loading process.

got to loading

An informal alternative, indicating the start of the loading task.

launched the loading process

Highlights the start of a process with a focus on the entire operation.

undertook to load

A formal and somewhat archaic way of saying that someone started loading.

got underway with loading

Emphasizes the start of an activity, particularly a large or complex one.

started the load

A shortened version focusing on "load" as a noun, implying the start of the loading task.

FAQs

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

You can use "began loading" to describe the start of a process of putting something onto or into something. For example, "The crew "began loading" the gear onto the truck" or "The program "began loading" the data files".

What are some alternatives to "began loading"?

Alternatives include "started loading", "commenced loading", or "initiated loading", depending on the desired level of formality and nuance.

Is "began loading" formal or informal?

"Began loading" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality often depends more on the surrounding vocabulary.

Which is correct, "began loading" or "began to load"?

Both "began loading" and "began to load" are grammatically correct, but "began loading" is more concise and often preferred. "Began to load" emphasizes the intention or process, while ""began loading"" focuses on the action itself.