begin studying

USAGE SUMMARY

"begin studying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to suggest that someone should start studying a particular subject or topic. For example: "If you want to pass your exams, you should begin studying right away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Shanghai, most students begin studying English in first grade.

The New York Times

She will begin studying for GCSEs there later this year.

The Guardian - Sport

How did you first begin studying these barbarian cultures?

Princeton University

How did you begin studying these barbarian cultures?

Princeton University

In August, he is to begin studying for an M.B.A. at the University of California, Berkeley.

The New York Times

In August, she will begin studying for an M.B.A. at New York University.

The New York Times

Later this month, he is to begin studying for an M.B.A. at the London Business School.

The New York Times

In September, he is to begin studying for a Ph.D. in political science at Harvard.

The New York Times

Only in the nineteen-seventies did historians begin studying homicide in any systematic way.

The New Yorker

In August, she is to begin studying for an M.B.A. at Columbia.

The New York Times

In September, he is to begin studying for a master's in public administration at N.Y.U.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While "begin studying" is generally acceptable, "commence studying" might be more suitable for formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "begin studying" in very casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "start studying" or "get into studying" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin studying" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action, specifically the act of studying. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It suggests the start of an academic or learning process. The phrase directly implies initiating the process of acquiring knowledge or skills in a particular area.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "begin studying" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to denote the start of an academic or learning process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academic settings. While "start studying" serves as a simpler alternative, "begin studying" maintains a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject of study and consider the formality of your writing to align with the intended audience. Avoid overuse in very informal contexts where more casual alternatives may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start studying

Simple synonym; replaces "begin" with "start", indicating the initiation of study.

commence studying

A more formal alternative to "begin studying", suggesting a more official or serious start.

initiate study

Replaces "begin" with "initiate" and uses "study" as a noun, creating a slightly more formal tone.

undertake study

Uses "undertake" to suggest a deliberate and potentially significant commitment to studying.

embark on study

Emphasizes the exploratory or adventurous aspect of beginning to study a subject.

take up studying

Suggests adopting studying as a new activity or interest.

get into studying

Informal way to say begin to focus on studying.

start learning

Broadens the scope to general learning, not necessarily academic study.

begin to learn

Similar to "start learning" but retains the "begin" phrasing.

get started with studying

More conversational and emphasizes the process of getting started.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "begin studying"?

You can use alternatives like "start studying", "commence studying", or "take up studying" depending on the context.

How to use "begin studying" in a sentence?

You can use "begin studying" to indicate the start of academic pursuits. For example, "In Shanghai, most students "begin studying" English in first grade."

Which is correct, "begin studying" or "start studying"?

Both ""begin studying"" and "start studying" are correct. "Begin studying" is slightly more formal than "start studying".

What's the difference between "begin studying" and "begin to study"?

While both are grammatically correct, ""begin studying"" is more concise and commonly used. "Begin to study" is less frequent but still acceptable.