begin a relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"begin a relationship" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It means to start a romantic or interpersonal connection with someone. Example: After weeks of getting to know each other, John finally decided to take the next step and begin a relationship with Sarah.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Begin a relationship?

The New York Times - Books

She and Valcourt begin a relationship, rendered with rare fervour.

The Guardian - Film

We were already best friends, so it was the perfect way to begin a relationship".

The New York Times

The pair meet in London through friends and begin a relationship.

The Guardian

It was as if she did not dare to begin a relationship for fear of ending it.

The New York Times

Starbucks chief executive Kevin Johnson said he welcomed the chance to begin a relationship with Nelson and Robinson.

The Washington Post

A THOUSAND YEARS OF GOOD PRAYERS Wayne Wang directed this drama, about two elderly immigrants, a man from China and a woman from Iran, who begin a relationship.

The New Yorker

It was a challenging time to begin a relationship: Dr. Norville was in the middle of finishing her dissertation, so she had very little free time.

The New York Times

And, even if Mr. Hanssen did begin a relationship with the K.G.B. in 1980, it remains unclear whether he stopped and then began again later.

The New York Times

Inspired by The Reader's story of a teenage boy and a former Auschwitz guard who begin a relationship after he's laid low by the illness.

The Guardian - Film

"This is a rough way to begin a relationship," Mr. Wheeler said, according to one lobbyist at the gathering, which was confirmed by the F.C.C.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "begin a relationship", consider the tone you want to convey. "Begin" is slightly more formal than "start", so choose the word that best fits your overall style and audience.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "begin" in overly casual conversations can sound stilted. Opt for "start" or other more relaxed synonyms when speaking with friends or in informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin a relationship" serves as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of an interpersonal connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show its application in both romantic and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

40%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "begin a relationship" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the start of an interpersonal connection. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase sees common usage across diverse contexts, including news, media, and wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards slightly formal, making it suitable for various writing styles. Alternatives include "start a relationship", "form a relationship" and "develop a relationship", allowing for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start a relationship

Uses "start" instead of "begin", offering a more common and direct alternative.

initiate a relationship

Replaces "begin" with the more formal "initiate", suggesting a deliberate action.

form a relationship

Focuses on the process of creating or establishing a connection.

develop a relationship

Emphasizes the gradual growth and evolution of a connection.

cultivate a relationship

Implies actively nurturing and fostering a connection over time.

embark on a relationship

Presents starting a relationship as a journey or undertaking.

enter into a relationship

Suggests a formal or conscious decision to become involved.

establish a relationship

Highlights the act of setting up or founding a lasting connection.

commence a relationship

Uses "commence" as a formal substitute for "begin", appropriate in specific contexts.

foster a relationship

Highlights the act of encouraging and supporting the growth of the relationship.

FAQs

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

You can use "begin a relationship" to describe the start of a romantic or professional connection, such as "After several dates, they decided to "begin a relationship"" or "The company hopes to "begin a relationship" with new clients at the conference".

What are some alternatives to "begin a relationship"?

Alternatives include "start a relationship", "form a relationship", or "develop a relationship", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it more formal to say "begin a relationship" or "start a relationship"?

"Begin a relationship" is generally considered more formal than "start a relationship". The choice depends on the context and the desired tone.

What's the difference between "begin a relationship" and "develop a relationship"?

"Begin a relationship" refers to the initial action of starting a connection. "Develop a relationship" implies a process of growth and deepening the connection over time.