begin a quest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin a quest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to starting a journey or undertaking a significant challenge, often in a narrative or metaphorical context. Example: "In the story, the hero must begin a quest to find the lost treasure and save the kingdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Upon retirement, he said he might continue his education and begin a quest to enter politics.

The New York Times - Sports

They meet the Boston Bruins tomorrow to begin a quest for their 25th championship and their first since 1993.

The New York Times - Sports

The late Philip Seymour Hoffman also makes an appearance as Plutarch Heavensbee in the short teaser, which sees a shocked Katniss begin a quest to rescue bruised and battered Peeta from the cruel grasp of the Capitol.

Independent

Scientists will soon begin a quest for gravity waves in a strikingly similar experiment, and any writer unfamiliar with Dr. Michelson and Dr. Morley's work will have trouble reporting the story.

The New York Times

Should Poulter fail to qualify or be picked for Clarke's team, it is difficult to foresee a scenario where he would not instead begin a quest – like Westwood – for inevitable captaincy by standing alongside Bjorn, Lawrie and Harrington.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"So begins a quest to find the missing Jedi Master.

The Guardian - Film

That began a quest to visit all of the major-league ballparks.

The New Yorker

Thus begins a quest, as lysergic as it is magic realist.

The Guardian - Books

Then they parted, each beginning a quest to reclaim his pre-scandal life.

The New York Times

So, she sold her collection and began a quest for prewar modernist furniture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So began a quest to identify the toxins in the creature's venom and to develop a possible remedy.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin a quest" when you want to evoke a sense of purpose, determination, and a challenging journey towards a specific goal. It is effective in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "begin a quest" in formal business or academic writing where a more direct and professional tone is required. Opt for phrases like "initiate a project" or "undertake an investigation" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin a quest" functions primarily as a verb phrase acting as the predicate of a sentence. It signifies the initiation of a journey or endeavor undertaken with a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "begin a quest" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the start of a challenging journey or endeavor with a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in various contexts, although it may be less appropriate in very formal settings. The phrase evokes a sense of purpose and determination. While relatively rare, "begin a quest" is primarily found in news and media, wikis, and encyclopedias. Related phrases include "embark on a journey" and "start a search". Use the phrase when emphasizing the challenging nature of the undertaking. Be mindful of the register and choose alternatives for formal business or academic contexts. The phrase functions as a verb phrase and signifies the initiation of something significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embark on a journey

Emphasizes the travel aspect and is more general than a "quest".

start a search

Focuses on finding something specific, often lost or hidden.

set out on an adventure

Highlights the exciting and unpredictable nature of the undertaking.

commence a mission

Suggests a specific task or objective with a defined goal.

start a pilgrimage

Implies a journey with a spiritual or moral purpose.

launch an expedition

Indicates a carefully planned and organized journey, often for exploration or research.

take on a challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort required to overcome an obstacle.

pursue a dream

Highlights the personal and aspirational nature of the endeavor.

undertake a venture

Focuses on the business or investment aspect of a new project.

initiate a campaign

Implies a series of planned actions to achieve a specific goal, often political or social.

FAQs

How can I use "begin a quest" in a sentence?

You can use "begin a quest" to describe the start of a challenging journey or endeavor. For example, "The protagonist must begin a quest to save the kingdom."

What phrases are similar to "begin a quest"?

Alternatives include "embark on a journey", "set out on an adventure", or "start a search", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "begin a quest" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "begin a quest" may sound too narrative for formal contexts. Consider using more direct phrases like "initiate a project" or "undertake an investigation".

What's the difference between "begin a quest" and "start a journey"?

"Begin a quest" implies a specific, challenging goal or objective, while "start a journey" is a more general term for travel or progress.