began to generate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began to generate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the initiation of a process or action that produces something, often in a gradual or progressive manner. Example: "The new marketing strategy began to generate significant interest among potential customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Ordovician carbonate source rock in the Ordos Basin began to generate oil in the Middle Triassic, reached peak oil generation in the Jurassic, and over-matured to generate gas in the Early Cretaceous (Tang et al. 2000).

Petroleum Science

Eventually, after around three months, I began to generate some interest and have my pieces commissioned.

The Guardian

Almost immediately, what was known about the biologics provision began to generate controversy.

The Washington Post

Both grew popular as unprofitable start-ups, but eventually began to generate meaningful revenue.

The New York Times

Work on the hydroelectric dam began in 1983, and it finally began to generate electricity in 1994.

The New York Times

But all that changed in Iowa, where Mr. Kerry's come-from-behind victory began to generate money immediately.

The New York Times

By the end of the 19th century, photography began to generate "a subcurrent of skepticism," Mr. Jay writes.

The New York Times - Arts

The team began to generate ideas for products and services that would offer an experience or a social happening.

Harvard Business Review

Refiners added hydrotreating units to extract sulfur compounds from their products and began to generate large quantities of elemental sulfur.

Britannica

Attendance and membership have been drifting lower ever since the baby boomers, joining churches as they began to generate families, started to wander away again.

The New Yorker

As the probes began to generate data, GCHQ set up a three-year trial at the GCHQ station in Bude, Cornwall.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "began to generate" to describe the start of a process that progressively produces something, such as revenue, interest, or controversy. It suggests a gradual commencement rather than an immediate or abrupt start.

Common error

Avoid using "began to generate" when describing an instantaneous event. Instead, opt for phrases like "immediately generated" or "instantly produced" for actions with immediate results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began to generate" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action or process that leads to the production or creation of something. Ludwig shows its use across various contexts, denoting the initial stage of a gradual development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "began to generate" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the start of a process that gradually produces or creates something. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across varied contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. The phrase indicates a gradual commencement rather than an instantaneous event, setting the stage for ongoing development. While alternatives like "started generating" or "commenced generating" exist, "began to generate" offers a balanced tone suitable for many writing scenarios. The frequency of its occurrence, as evidenced by Ludwig, underscores its relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started generating

Implies a more abrupt or distinct start compared to the gradual implication of "began".

started to produce

More straightforward and less nuanced than "began to generate".

commenced generating

A more formal and often technical alternative to "began to generate".

initiated production of

Focuses specifically on the start of producing something tangible.

initiated the creation of

Emphasizes the act of creation rather than simply producing or generating.

saw the emergence of

Shifts the focus from the action of generating to the result of something appearing.

witnessed the start of production

More observational; describes seeing the beginning of a production process.

entered the phase of generating

Highlights a transition into a specific phase or stage of production.

developed the capacity to generate

Focuses on developing an ability or capability to produce something.

originated the production of

Highlights the origin or initial source of the production.

FAQs

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

You can use "began to generate" to describe the start of a process, for example: "The marketing campaign "began to generate" leads after a few weeks."

What are some alternatives to "began to generate"?

Alternatives include "started generating", "commenced generating", or "initiated production of", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "started to generate" is a suitable alternative and often interchangeable with "began to generate", though it may imply a slightly more abrupt beginning.

What's the difference between "began to generate" and "generated"?

"Began to generate" implies an ongoing process that is starting, while "generated" suggests a completed action of production. For example, "The company began to generate revenue" indicates the initial phase, whereas "The company generated substantial revenue" indicates a completed event.