begin a pilgrimage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin a pilgrimage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of starting a journey or quest, often with a spiritual or religious purpose. Example: "After years of contemplation, she decided to begin a pilgrimage to the sacred site."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

From 1973 he worked for a time as a traveling correspondent for The Sunday Times (London), but he quit in 1976 to begin a pilgrimage through the Patagonia region of southern Argentina and Chile.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They also divested themselves of most of their possessions and began a pilgrimage that led them to California.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a hut in Africa, he has an existential crisis of sorts and he begins a pilgrimage through liberalism's last precincts.

The New York Times - Books

Beginning a pilgrimage to retrace the steps of Moses, Pope John Paul II arrived in Egypt today seeking to use ancient biblical symbols to reduce modern religious tensions.

The New York Times

A11 Pope's Pilgrimage to Egypt Pope John Paul II, beginning a pilgrimage to retrace the steps of Moses, arrived in Egypt seeking to use ancient biblical symbols to reduce modern religious tensions.

The New York Times

He begins a pilgrimage back to Boston.

Wikipedia

While my body is weary my mind is wide-awake, keeping me from getting a good night's rest before I begin an actual pilgrimage.

Huffington Post

When John Paul II flies to Jordan this week to begin a Holy Year pilgrimage to retrace the steps of Jesus Christ in Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories, he will also be leading a crusade, of an entirely different kind.

The New York Times

They begin with a pilgrimage to the former British consulate in Zanzibar, a colonial building that is filled with Oriental rugs and maps and was the starting point for Stanley and many other explorers.

The New York Times - Arts

Although devoted to his father, Mohammed began a spiritual pilgrimage that took him toward orthodox Islam.

Encyclopedia Britannica

PILGRIMS' PATH -- Thousands of Shiite Muslims from all over Iraq began a special pilgrimage that Iraq's government had banned for three decades.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "begin a pilgrimage", ensure that the context clearly indicates a journey with spiritual or significant purpose, not just a regular trip.

Common error

Avoid using "begin a pilgrimage" when referring to casual travel or tourism. Pilgrimages are typically associated with religious or deeply meaningful journeys. Instead, use more general phrases like "start a trip" or "begin traveling".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin a pilgrimage" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. The verb "begin" indicates the start of an action, while the noun phrase "a pilgrimage" specifies the type of journey being undertaken. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "begin a pilgrimage" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the commencement of a meaningful journey, often of a spiritual or religious nature. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. While alternatives like "start a pilgrimage" or "embark on a pilgrimage" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, reflecting its broad applicability and understanding. Remember to use this phrase when you are referring to journeys which possess spiritual or religious context instead of ordinary travels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embark on a pilgrimage

Emphasizes the start of a significant or challenging journey.

start a pilgrimage

A more straightforward and direct way of expressing the commencement of a pilgrimage.

commence a pilgrimage

A more formal way of saying "begin a pilgrimage".

undertake a pilgrimage

Suggests a deliberate and purposeful undertaking of a pilgrimage.

set out on a pilgrimage

Emphasizes the departure or start of the physical journey.

initiate a pilgrimage

Highlights the act of starting or setting in motion the pilgrimage.

kick off a pilgrimage

An informal way to indicate the start of a pilgrimage.

launch a pilgrimage

Suggests a grand or well-prepared start to the pilgrimage.

go on a pilgrimage

A simpler way to phrase the action of going on a pilgrimage.

make a start on a pilgrimage

Emphasizes the initial step taken toward completing the pilgrimage.

FAQs

What does "begin a pilgrimage" mean?

To "begin a pilgrimage" means to start a journey, often of a spiritual or religious nature, to a sacred place or destination. It implies a purposeful and meaningful journey.

What can I say instead of "begin a pilgrimage"?

You can use alternatives like "embark on a pilgrimage", "start a pilgrimage", or "undertake a pilgrimage", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "start a pilgrimage" instead of "begin a pilgrimage"?

Yes, "start a pilgrimage" is a perfectly acceptable and often more straightforward alternative to "begin a pilgrimage". Both phrases convey the same meaning.

How is "begin a pilgrimage" different from "go on a trip"?

"Begin a pilgrimage" implies a spiritual or religious journey to a sacred place, whereas "go on a trip" is a more general term for any journey, regardless of its purpose or destination.