begin from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin from" is not technically incorrect, but it is not especially common or widely accepted in written English.
It's best avoided since it can sound strange to native speakers. Instead, it would be preferable to use a phrase such as "beginning with" or "starting with" in written English. For example: Starting with the premise that all people are equal, it follows that everyone deserves equal rights and protections under the law.

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The new measures will begin from 2017.

The Guardian - Tech

You, however, begin from a rolling start.

The New York Times - Magazine

Indeed a few climbs even begin from a car park.

The Guardian - Travel

They need to begin from the moment of birth.

The Guardian - Opinion

They begin from Le Petit Theatre at Jackson Square.

The New York Times - Travel

That race will begin from Barcelona, Spain, on Dec. 31.

The New York Times - Sports

But I dare not begin from the other side.

The New Yorker

We believe the reassessment phase should instead begin from the date of the appeal outcome.

Independent

"I begin from the premise that this stuff can't be taught," he said.

The New Yorker

"This material gave us the chance to begin from a white sheet of paper.

The New York Times

For a start, they begin from a position of hero worship.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "begin from" is used, consider using "start with" or "beginning with" for clearer and more conventional phrasing in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "begin from" in highly formal documents; opt for more polished alternatives like "commence with" or "initiate with" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin from" functions as a verb phrase combined with a preposition, indicating the starting point or origin of an action, process, or idea. Ludwig examples shows several cases where the phrase is used across different source types.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "begin from" is widely used, especially across news media and scientific articles, it's crucial to recognize that, according to Ludwig AI, it might not always be the most polished choice. Alternatives such as "start with" or "beginning with" often provide greater clarity and a more conventional tone, especially in formal writing. Understanding its communicative function—to establish a starting point—allows for informed decisions about when and where to use "begin from" effectively, while being mindful of the context and desired level of formality. Although very common, keep in mind there are options that can offer you better clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start with

Emphasizes initiating an action or process with a particular element. It is concise and direct.

initiate from

Similar to "begin from", but highlights the act of initiating or setting in motion a process or action.

commence from

Similar in meaning, but conveys a more formal or official tone, suggesting a deliberate commencement.

originate in

Highlights the point of origin or the source from which something arises, shifting the focus slightly.

arise from

Indicates that something emerges or comes into existence as a result of something else.

stem from

Indicates that something arises as a consequence or result of something else, emphasizing causation.

spring from

Conveys a sense of sudden or unexpected emergence, often used metaphorically.

derive from

Focuses on the extraction or obtaining of something from a source, suggesting a process of derivation.

flow from

Suggests a natural or logical progression from one thing to another, emphasizing continuity.

be based on

Indicates that something is founded or grounded on a particular basis or foundation.

FAQs

What's a more common alternative to "begin from"?

More common alternatives include "start with", "beginning with", or "commence from", depending on the context.

Is "begin from" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "begin from" is considered less polished than alternatives like "start with" or "originate in". Ludwig AI marks it as acceptable, but suggests using alternatives in formal writing.

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

You can use "begin from" to indicate a starting point. For example: "The analysis will begin from the available data." However, consider alternatives for improved clarity.

What's the difference between "begin from" and "start with"?

"Begin from" and "start with" are similar, but "start with" is generally preferred for its conciseness and wider acceptance. "Begin from" can sound slightly awkward to some native English speakers.