began to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began to think" is correct and usable in written English.
It generally indicates the start of a thought process. For example: "I began to think about the events of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He began to think idly about suicide.

The New York Times

"I began to think of Britain".

The New York Times

One day, she began to think bigger.

The New York Times

"I began to think that way.

The Guardian - Books

Immediately I began to think of Spain.

The New York Times - Travel

At this stage, I began to think about the arms.

Independent

The solution, she began to think, lay with the women.

The New Yorker

"I began to think up endings for myself".

The New York Times - Books

He began to think into the day, into the minute.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

We begin to think differently.

The Economist

And you begin to think about trust.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "began to think" to indicate the initial stage of a thought process or when someone starts considering a new idea or perspective.

Common error

Instead of always saying "began to think", vary your language with simpler verbs like "considered", "thought", or "wondered" for a more natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began to think" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a cognitive process. Ludwig AI validates this usage across many examples, signaling a universally accepted way to express the start of thinking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "began to think" correctly indicates the starting point of a thought process and is very commonly used in writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and academic writing. While versatile, consider using synonyms such as "started to consider" or "commenced to ponder" to add variety to your writing. Avoid overuse, and ensure the phrase accurately reflects the initial stage of contemplation you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started to consider

Focuses more on the initial phase of evaluating something.

started reflecting on

Emphasizes reviewing past experiences or ideas.

commenced to ponder

Implies a more deliberate and thoughtful consideration.

contemplated the notion

Presents a formal and thoughtful reflection of a concept.

initiated contemplation

Highlights the beginning of a deep, reflective thought process.

entertained the thought

Suggests considering something, even if not fully committing to it.

turned one's thoughts to

Indicates a change in focus or direction of thinking.

came to the realization

Suggests arriving at a specific understanding after thinking.

developed an idea about

Focuses on the creation or formation of a new thought.

broached the idea of

Implies introducing a new concept or consideration.

FAQs

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

Use "began to think" to indicate the start of a thought process. For example: "After reading the book, I "began to think" about my own life choices."

What are some alternatives to "began to think"?

You can use alternatives like "started to consider", "commenced to ponder", or "initiated contemplation depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "began thinking" instead of "began to think"?

Yes, "began thinking" is also correct and often used interchangeably. Both phrases indicate the start of a thought process, but "began to think" can sometimes emphasize the initiation more directly.

What is the difference between "began to think" and "started to think"?

While both phrases are similar, "began to think" can sometimes suggest a more gradual or reflective start, whereas "started to think" might imply a more immediate initiation of thought.