began to appear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'began to appear' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something gradually came into view or started happening. For example: "The first signs of spring began to appear, with buds appearing on the trees and birds singing in the morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

New schools began to appear.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Television-news crews began to appear.

The New Yorker

Immediately, the explanations began to appear.

The New Yorker

Workers' compensation laws began to appear.

The New York Times

Ribbons began to appear all over Wielangta.

The Guardian

Patches of blue sky began to appear.

The Guardian

And then the cracks began to appear.

The Guardian

Depths and shadows began to appear.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

His neighbours begin to appear "somewhat strange.

The Guardian - Books

Some peculiar alignments are beginning to appear.

The Economist

Glowing reviews begin to appear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "began to appear" to describe the gradual emergence or visibility of something, whether physical objects, abstract ideas, or symptoms.

Common error

While "began to appear" is versatile, avoid overusing it in descriptive passages. Vary your language by incorporating more vivid and specific verbs to enhance your writing and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began to appear" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of visibility or existence. It suggests a gradual process, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples where cracks, explanations, and new schools "began to appear".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "began to appear" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the gradual emergence or visibility of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, followed by encyclopedias and scientific publications. While neutral in register, it can be adapted to various levels of formality. To maintain writing quality, it is important to avoid overuse by employing more descriptive alternatives. The phrase's widespread usage and clear meaning make it a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started to emerge

Emphasizes the process of coming out or becoming visible gradually.

commenced to surface

Suggests something previously hidden is now becoming noticeable.

came into view

Focuses on the act of becoming visible.

initiated its visibility

More formal, highlighting the start of being seen or recognized.

materialized

Implies something becoming real or substantial.

developed

Highlights the gradual unfolding or evolution of something.

took shape

Suggests a more defined or organized formation.

arose

Indicates a rise or emergence, often sudden or unexpected.

sprang up

Implies a rapid and sudden appearance.

dawned

Used metaphorically, suggesting the beginning of understanding or realization.

FAQs

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

"Began to appear" indicates the gradual emergence or visibility of something. For example: "Cracks "began to appear" in the facade."

What are some alternatives to "began to appear"?

Alternatives include phrases like "started to emerge", "came into view", or "commenced to surface", depending on the specific context.

Is "began to appear" formal or informal?

"Began to appear" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The specific context determines the overall formality.

What's the difference between "began to appear" and "appeared"?

"Began to appear" emphasizes the gradual nature of the appearance, while "appeared" simply indicates that something became visible at a certain point. The former suggests a process, while the latter suggests a more immediate event.