began talking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began talking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the start of a conversation or discussion in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "As soon as the meeting started, she began talking about the new project updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They began talking.

The Guardian

Then he began talking.

The New Yorker

They began talking each day.

The New York Times - Sports

Mamet began talking about Hemingway.

The New Yorker

The thing began talking.

The New Yorker

Then he began talking about his "sweetheart".

The New Yorker

We began talking about his early years.

The New York Times - Magazine

As we began talking, he seemed defensive.

The New Yorker

Then they began talking among themselves.

The New Yorker

Spontaneously, they hugged and then began talking.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They began talking to her, befriending her, offering her lunch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "began talking" to clearly indicate the initiation of speech or conversation, setting the stage for dialogue or narrative progression.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "began talking" within a short span of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "started speaking", "initiated conversation", or simply describing the content of their speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began talking" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of speech or conversation. It is often used to introduce dialogue or narrative developments, as confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "began talking" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that indicates the start of speech or conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts but can be appropriately used across various registers. While simple, it's crucial to avoid overuse by employing synonyms like "started speaking" or "initiated conversation". By understanding its function and communicative purpose, writers can effectively use this phrase to enhance their narratives and dialogues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started speaking

Replaces "talking" with the more formal "speaking".

commenced speaking

Uses a more formal tone with "commenced" instead of "began".

initiated conversation

Focuses on the start of a conversation rather than just talking.

started a discussion

Emphasizes a more structured exchange of ideas.

opened their mouth

Idiomatic expression suggesting the start of speaking.

broke the silence

Highlights the end of silence with the start of talking.

found their voice

Suggests overcoming hesitation to speak.

started chatting

Implies an informal and casual conversation.

struck up a conversation

Indicates initiating a conversation, often spontaneously.

launched into speech

Emphasizes a more elaborate or formal start to speaking.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "began talking"?

You can use alternatives like "started speaking", "initiated conversation", or "started a discussion" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "began talking"?

Yes, "began talking" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of a verb phrase with "began" as the past tense of "begin" and "talking" as a gerund.

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

You can use "began talking" to indicate the start of a conversation or speech. For example, "After the applause, the speaker began talking about the importance of education."

What's the difference between "began talking" and "was talking"?

"Began talking" indicates the start of a conversation, while "was talking" indicates that the conversation was already in progress. For example, "He "began talking" after a long silence," versus "He "was talking" about his vacation when I arrived."