begin in earnest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin in earnest" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to start something with sincere and determined effort or seriousness. Example: After weeks of planning and preparation, the construction on the new building will finally begin in earnest tomorrow.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Practices begin in earnest Friday.

The New York Times - Sports

East title begin in earnest shortly thereafter.

The New York Times - Sports

His countdown can now begin in earnest.

The Guardian - Sport

Events begin in earnest the following week.

The Guardian

Negotiations begin in earnest on Sunday.

The Guardian - Business

On Saturday, the Games begin in earnest.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps, then, the season can begin in earnest.

The New York Times - Sports

Campaigning should begin in earnest in the autumn.

The Economist

When this would begin in earnest is not clear.

The New York Times

The debate over the specifics should begin in earnest.

The New York Times

But the exhibits are where the problems begin in earnest.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin in earnest" to signal a transition from preliminary activities to the main, serious phase of an endeavor. For example: "After the initial fundraising, the campaign to build the new school will begin in earnest."

Common error

Avoid using "begin in earnest" for trivial or light-hearted activities. This phrase conveys a sense of seriousness and dedicated effort, making it unsuitable for casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin in earnest" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of an activity with significant effort and commitment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Examples show it often marks a transition to a more intense phase of an activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "begin in earnest" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies the start of something with serious intent and dedicated effort. As Ludwig AI indicates, its correctness is widely recognized. It is commonly found in news, business, and sports contexts, reflecting its suitability for describing significant endeavors. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a high degree of commitment is involved. Alternatives like "start decisively" or "get down to business" can offer a similar meaning with varying degrees of formality. Always consider the intensity and formality of the context to ensure appropriate usage of the phrase "begin in earnest".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get down to business

An idiomatic expression that means to start focusing on what is important.

start decisively

Emphasizes the act of beginning with a firm and determined approach.

commence seriously

Changes "begin in earnest" to a more formal tone with the adverb "seriously" modifying "commence".

dive in headfirst

An idiomatic phrase meaning to start something with enthusiasm and without hesitation.

initiate vigorously

Highlights the energetic and forceful start of an activity.

launch wholeheartedly

Implies a complete and unrestrained commitment to starting something.

undertake with zeal

Suggests starting something with great enthusiasm and passion.

swing into action

Implies a quick and efficient transition into a state of activity and work.

embark purposefully

Focuses on the intentional and goal-oriented beginning of a journey or task.

proceed intensely

Shifts the focus to the continuation of an activity with great focus and strength.

FAQs

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

You can use "begin in earnest" to describe the start of a serious activity. For instance: "Negotiations will "begin in earnest" once all parties have arrived."

What's an alternative to "begin in earnest"?

Alternatives include "start decisively", "commence seriously", or "get down to business", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "begin in earnest" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "begin in earnest" is more suited to formal or neutral contexts. In informal writing, consider alternatives like "get down to business".

Which is correct, "begin in earnest" or "starts in earnest"?

"Begin in earnest" is used when referring to a future or habitual action. "Starts in earnest" is used when describing a present, ongoing action. Both are correct, but the choice depends on the tense you intend to convey.