began to fall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began to fall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the initiation of a downward movement or decline, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "As the sun set, the temperature began to fall rapidly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rain began to fall.

The New York Times

Taxes began to fall.

The New Yorker

Charleston began to fall apart.

The New Yorker

Ruling families began to fall.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, snow began to fall.

The New York Times

Prices began to fall.

Yale University

Then CO2 levels began to fall.

The New Yorker

Unemployment at last began to fall.

The Economist

Then her marriage began to fall apart.

The New York Times

Then the dominoes began to fall.

The New York Times - Sports

The pieces began to fall into place.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "began to fall" to describe the initial stage of a decline, whether it's in reference to physical objects, numbers, or abstract concepts. This phrase works well to set the stage for further developments.

Common error

Avoid using "began to fall" when describing actions that happen instantaneously. This phrase implies a process that takes time to unfold. Instead, opt for verbs that suggest immediate action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began to fall" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of a declining action or movement. Ludwig AI examples show it used to describe physical events like rain or snow, as well as abstract concepts like prices or political regimes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "began to fall" is a versatile phrase that indicates the start of a decline or downward movement, used across various contexts from weather descriptions to economic analyses. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist. While alternatives exist, such as "started to decline", "began to fall" remains a clear and effective way to signal the initial stage of a decline. Remember to avoid using it with actions that happen instantaneously to maintain accuracy and clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started to decline

Replaces 'began' with 'started' and 'fall' with 'decline', emphasizing a gradual reduction.

commenced to drop

Uses 'commenced' for 'began' and 'drop' for 'fall', suggesting a more abrupt decrease.

initiated a decline

Emphasizes the beginning of a downward trend using a more formal tone.

started its descent

Implies a movement from a higher to a lower state or position.

entered a downturn

Suggests a shift into a negative or declining phase, often used in economic contexts.

saw the start of a decline

Emphasizes observation of the beginning of a reduction or downturn.

witnessed the onset of a fall

Highlights the experience of observing the commencement of a decline.

experienced a reduction

Focuses on the undergoing of a decrease or lessening.

initiated a downward trend

Highlights the start of a consistent decline or trend in a negative direction.

began its downward trajectory

Emphasizes the path or direction moving towards a lower state.

FAQs

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

Use "began to fall" to indicate the start of a decline or downward movement. For example, "The rain "began to fall" gently at first, then turned into a downpour."

What are some alternatives to "began to fall"?

Alternatives include phrases like "started to decline", "commenced to drop", or "initiated a decline", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "started to fall" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. Both phrases convey the same meaning, though "began to fall" may sound slightly more formal in certain contexts.

When is it inappropriate to use "began to fall"?

Avoid using "began to fall" to describe something that happens instantly. It's best used for processes that unfold gradually. For example, it would be odd to say "He began to fall after tripping" as it implies a drawn-out process rather than an immediate reaction. A better phrasing would be "He fell after tripping".