began to drop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began to drop" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the initiation of a decrease or decline in something, such as temperature, prices, or attendance. Example: "As the sun set, the temperature began to drop significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Compensation began to drop.

The New York Times - Health

Markets began to drop.

The Guardian

Then the number began to drop.

The New Yorker

Its stock began to drop.

The New York Times

Spoons began to drop to the floor.

The New York Times - Magazine

His poll ratings began to drop.

The New York Times

After that, players began to drop out.

The New York Times

Inflation expectations began to drop steadily around March.

The Economist

But the quality of play began to drop.

The New York Times

The number of prescriptions for opioids began to drop.

The New Yorker

Approaching the turn, though, he began to drop back.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "began to drop" to clearly indicate the commencement of a decrease or decline, ensuring the context supports the idea of something lessening or falling from a previous state.

Common error

Avoid using "began to drop" when referring to sudden, instantaneous changes. This phrase implies a process or gradual shift rather than an immediate event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began to drop" functions as a verb phrase indicating the start of a process of reduction or decline. It's commonly used to describe a change from a previous state to a lower one, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

27%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "began to drop" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the initiation of a decline or decrease across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. It is most frequently encountered in news and media, science, and academic sources, as shown from numerous examples. When using the phrase, ensure that the context reflects a gradual change rather than a sudden event. Alternatives like "started to decrease" or "commenced to decline" can be used for variety while retaining similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started to decrease

Focuses on a gradual reduction, similar to "began to drop".

commenced to decline

Emphasizes a formal and gradual descent.

initiated a fall

Highlights the beginning of a downward movement.

started to diminish

Indicates a reduction in size, extent, or importance.

saw the start of a decline

Emphasizes the observation of a downturn.

experienced an initial decrease

Highlights the undergoing of a primary lessening.

began to lessen

Focuses on the process of becoming smaller or less.

started its descent

Suggests a downward trajectory or fall.

initiated a reduction

Emphasizes a formal commencement of diminishing.

started to wane

Implies a gradual decrease in power, intensity, or extent.

FAQs

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

Use "began to drop" to describe the start of a decline or decrease. For example, "After the announcement, the stock prices "began to drop" sharply".

What are some alternatives to "began to drop"?

You can use alternatives such as "started to decrease", "commenced to decline", or "initiated a fall depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "started to drop" instead of "began to drop"?

Yes, "started to drop" is a perfectly acceptable and often interchangeable alternative to ""began to drop"". Both phrases convey a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "began to drop" and "continued to drop"?

"Began to drop" indicates the commencement of a decline, whereas "continued to drop" suggests that the decline was already in progress and is persisting.