began running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began running" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the start of the action of running, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "As soon as the whistle blew, the athletes began running towards the finish line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Cordray began running for office.

The New York Times

People began running to-and-fro.

The New Yorker

At four months, she began running.

The New York Times - Sports

Almost immediately, it began running into difficulties.

The New Yorker

It also began running online advertisements.

The New York Times

Inexplicably, he began running with it.

The New York Times - Sports

Devers began running in high school.

Britannica

Tears began running down her face.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

When would he begin running television advertisements?

The New York Times

The ads are expected to begin running in spring 2013.

The New York Times

Azubuike has not yet begun running on the court.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "began running" to clearly indicate the starting point of a running activity, whether in sports contexts or general narrative.

Common error

While synonyms like "commenced running" exist, "began running" is often more direct and accessible to a wider audience. Overly formal language can sometimes detract from the clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

Began running functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a physical activity or process. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. The examples provided show its use in describing both literal running and figurative starts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sports

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "began running" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that indicates the commencement of a running activity or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, sports, and encyclopedic content. The register is generally neutral, leaning towards slightly formal, especially when compared to alternatives like "started running". Understanding its usage and context can improve clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started running

Replaces "began" with its direct synonym "started", maintaining the exact meaning.

commenced running

Uses a more formal synonym, "commenced", to indicate the start of the running action.

initiated running

Employs "initiated" as a synonym for "began", suggesting a formal start to the activity.

took up running

Indicates starting running as a hobby or regular activity.

got into running

Suggests developing an interest in and starting the activity of running.

embarked on running

Implies starting a journey or endeavor related to running.

set about running

Describes the act of preparing or starting to run with purpose.

launched into running

Conveys a sudden and energetic start to running.

entered the world of running

Expresses a comprehensive and committed start to running, involving significant involvement.

found themselves running

Indicates an unexpected or unplanned commencement of running.

FAQs

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

You can use "began running" to describe the start of a physical activity, such as "She "began running" to improve her health" or to describe the initial phase of a process, such as "The company "began running" the new software last week".

What are some alternatives to "began running"?

Some alternatives include "started running", "commenced running", or "took up running", depending on the context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is there a difference between "began running" and "started running"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable, but "started running" is generally considered more informal. "Began running" may be perceived as slightly more formal or deliberate, though the distinction is minimal.

When is it more appropriate to use "began running" instead of other alternatives?

Use "began running" when you want a clear and direct indication of the start of the running activity without being overly informal. For example, in a news report, "The protesters "began running" toward the stadium" sounds natural and neutral.