began to shine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began to shine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the start of something becoming bright or radiant, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "As the sun rose over the horizon, the sky began to shine with vibrant colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Arts

Sport

Personal Development

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I began to shine.

The New York Times

Beiranvand began to shine.

The Guardian - Sport

Across the road, however, the site began to shine.

The New York Times

Eventually, knots in the cold dark material condensed, collapsed and began to shine — the first stars.

Nature

And as Kelly's mission progressed, more of his personality began to shine through.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it was in "Confirmation" where the band began to shine.

The New York Times - Arts

The brushes were dancing in his hands, and very soon the canvas began to shine and glitter.

The New Yorker

He had demanded passion and commitment from his team and that began to shine through on the field.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The light was beginning to shine when Syriza took over.

The Guardian - Business

But when potential is measured, Y begins to shine.

Harvard Business Review

Here was where somebody who had been rather quiet at dinner might begin to shine.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "start to glow" or "begin to radiate" for similar ideas but with a different nuance in describing light or positive emanation.

Common error

Avoid using "began to shine" only in literal contexts (e.g., the sun), as it's often more effective in figurative language to describe the emergence of qualities, talents, or success. Consider using more descriptive or visual verbs to better describe light or brightness in a literal context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began to shine" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action or state. It often depicts the initial phase of something becoming brighter, more prominent, or successful, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science & Research

11%

Arts

11%

Less common in

Sport

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "began to shine" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression widely used to describe the emergence of brightness, prominence, or success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and common across varied contexts, predominantly in news and media. Alternatives like "started to glow" or "began to emerge" offer nuanced variations for specific connotations. When using "began to shine", it's best practice to employ it in figurative contexts to add depth to your descriptions, while avoiding overuse in purely literal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started to glow

Emphasizes a gentle and sustained radiance, rather than a sudden burst of light.

started to gleam

Focuses on a sudden burst of light or visibility, subtly altering the emphasis.

started to sparkle

Highlights a vibrant and lively emergence, slightly changing the imagery.

commenced to radiate

Emphasizes a gradual emanation of something positive, altering the tone slightly.

began to blossom

Suggests a gradual unfolding and revelation of beauty or potential.

began to distinguish itself

Suggests that something started to acquire unique qualities or attributes.

began to emerge

Shifts the focus from brightness to a general appearance or development.

started to stand out

Highlights increasing prominence and visibility in a competitive or crowded environment.

started to flourish

Emphasizes growth and success rather than literal light.

commenced to excel

Focuses on a rising level of performance and accomplishment.

FAQs

What does "began to shine" mean?

The phrase "began to shine" typically means that something or someone started to exhibit positive qualities, talents, or success. It can also describe the literal commencement of light emanating from a source.

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

You can use "began to shine" to describe a person's talents emerging, an object becoming brighter, or a situation improving. For example, "After years of practice, her musical talent "began to shine"."

What are some alternatives to "began to shine"?

Alternatives to "began to shine" include "started to glow", "began to radiate", "started to excel", or "began to emerge", depending on the specific context.

Is "began to shine" formal or informal?

"Began to shine" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It can be used in news articles, academic papers, or casual conversations.