began with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began with" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to describe the starting point or initial action of something. For example: - The meeting began with a short presentation by the CEO. - The story began with a flashback to the main character's childhood. - The trip began with a long flight to Europe. - The project began with a brainstorming session to generate ideas. - The concert began with a lively performance by the opening act.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It began with T.R.

The New Yorker

We began with honey.

The New Yorker

Desai began with defense.

The New Yorker

He began with Paine.

The New Yorker

It began with knives.

The New York Times - Food

It began with words.

Independent

They began with catering.

The New York Times - Food

We began with several starters.

The New York Times

It began with an earthquake.

The New Yorker

It began with a sneer.

The New Yorker

It began with the South.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "began with" to clearly indicate the initial stage or action in a sequence of events. This helps establish a chronological order for your narrative.

Common error

Ensure the verb "began" is used in the past tense when describing completed actions. Avoid using "begin with" when referring to something that has already occurred; use "begin with" only for present or future scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began with" functions as a transitive verb phrase, indicating the commencement or initiation of an action, event, or process. It sets a temporal context by specifying the starting point. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "began with" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile phrase used to denote the starting point of various events, processes, or narratives. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While "started with" is a close synonym, "began with" may convey a slightly more formal tone. Remember to use the correct tense (past tense, "began") when referring to completed events. The examples illustrate its broad applicability, emphasizing its importance in clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started with

Synonymous; replaces "began" with "started", a more informal term.

commenced with

Replaces "began" with "commenced", offering a more formal alternative.

initiated with

Emphasizes the formal action of starting something.

opened with

Often used when referring to events or performances.

kicked off with

An informal and dynamic way to describe the beginning of an event or project.

originated with

Focuses on the origin or source from which something started.

stemmed from

Indicates the cause or source from which something began.

was launched with

Highlights the action of introducing or starting something new.

had its roots in

Emphasizes the historical or foundational origins of something.

derived from

Focuses on the source from which something is obtained or developed.

FAQs

How can I use "began with" in a sentence?

You can use "began with" to indicate the starting point of an event, process, or story. For example, "The concert "opened with" a lively performance" or "The project "initiated with" a planning meeting".

What are some alternatives to "began with"?

Alternatives include "started with", "commenced with", ""initiated with"", or ""opened with"", depending on the context and formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "begin with" when referring to a past event?

No, when referring to a past event, use "began with", which is the past tense form. "begin with" is used for present or future actions.

What's the difference between "began with" and "started with"?

While both are similar, "began with" may sound slightly more formal than "started with". The choice depends on the context and the desired tone.