began work on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "began work on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating the start of a project or task that someone is undertaking. Example: "She began work on the new marketing campaign last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

As they hurriedly began work on the proposal, one source said: "Thanks a lot, Downing Street".

Independent

I called Harper back and began work on the book.

The New York Times

C.I.A. analysts began work on the talking points.

The New York Times

In 1924, the studio began work on "Find Your Man".

The New Yorker

Ader began work on his first powered aircraft in 1882.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They began work on a program called Presenter.

The New Yorker

Thus he famously began work on his editorials.

The Economist

Douglas Murray was 14 when he began work on "Bosie".

The New York Times - Books

Thomas Gray began work on the "Elegy" in 1742.

The Guardian - Books

He began work on it almost exactly fifty years ago.

The New Yorker

And he recently began work on his memoirs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is key, follow "began work on" with a specific timeline or milestone to enhance understanding of the task's initial phase.

Common error

While "began work on" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "commenced work on" or "initiated" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "began work on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an activity or project. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "began work on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the initiation of a task or project. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to inform audiences about the commencement of activities. While considered neutral in register, it's important to note that more formal alternatives exist for specific contexts. This analysis underscores its versatility and relevance in contemporary writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started working on

Emphasizes the action of working rather than just beginning.

commenced work on

A more formal alternative, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

initiated efforts on

Highlights the start of a broader set of activities or endeavors.

undertook the task of

Focuses on the responsibility and commitment associated with the work.

embarked on

Implies a journey or significant undertaking.

launched into

Suggests a quick or energetic start.

set about

Indicates a planned or methodical approach to starting.

pioneered

Implies starting something original or groundbreaking.

got cracking on

An informal way to express starting something with enthusiasm.

turned to

Highlights a shift in focus towards a particular task.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "began work on"?

You can use alternatives like "started working on", "commenced work on", or "initiated efforts on" depending on the context.

How to use "began work on" in a sentence?

You can use "began work on" to indicate the start of a task, for example: "The team "began work on" the project last week."

Is "began work on" formal or informal?

"Began work on" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "commenced work on" might be preferable in certain situations.

What is the difference between "began work on" and "started work on"?

The phrases "began work on" and "started work on" are largely interchangeable. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.