begin the task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin the task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to start a specific job or assignment. Example: "Once you have gathered all the materials, you can begin the task of assembling the model."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With these reassurances Octavian could begin the task of reconstruction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In New York, the Investigations Division has been too shorthanded to begin the task, officials said.

The New York Times

Today, Edwards tried to begin the task of repairing a wounded team.

The New York Times - Sports

Congress should begin the task of abolishing Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's privileges altogether.

The Economist

■ Immediately begin the task of de-coupling from the UK Labour party.

The Guardian - Opinion

But we have to begin the task of coming up with a different political settlement for this country," Lee concludes.

The Guardian

That was to begin the task of uprooting the tentacles that Islamic militancy had wound around Pakistan.

The New York Times

A minute later, the security forces were dispatched to the scene to begin the task of sealing off the area.

The Guardian

As experts around the world begin the task of poring over the detail, here are four key issues to watch.

The Guardian - Business

In return, Mr Abbas must begin the task Mr Arafat shirked of preparing his people for compromise.

The Economist

Once the regime honours its previous commitments we can begin the task of rebuilding Syria as a free, democratic state where all citizens are equal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "begin the task", ensure the context provides sufficient information about what the "task" entails to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "begin the task" is versatile, avoid overusing it in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "start" or "get going" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin the task" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a specific activity or assignment. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is frequently used in various contexts to signal the initiation of work.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

17%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "begin the task" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to indicate the start of a specific activity. According to Ludwig AI, it is "correct and usable in written English". It is most commonly found in news and media, science, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While highly versatile, it is advised to use simpler alternatives in very informal situations. Several related phrases, such as "start the assignment" and "commence the endeavor", offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start the assignment

Replaces "task" with "assignment", implying a more structured or defined piece of work.

commence the endeavor

Uses more formal synonyms for both "begin" and "task", suggesting a more significant or challenging undertaking.

initiate the process

Focuses on the start of a series of actions or a procedure.

undertake the project

Emphasizes the commitment and responsibility involved in starting the work.

embark on the mission

Adds a sense of purpose and importance to the undertaking.

get started on the job

A more casual and direct way of saying the same thing.

set about the business

Suggests a focused and practical approach to the work.

launch the operation

Implies a coordinated and planned effort.

take the first step

Highlights the initial action in a larger process.

make a start on the work

Emphasizes the initiation of effort toward a defined objective.

FAQs

How can I use "begin the task" in a sentence?

You can use "begin the task" when you want to instruct someone to start working on a particular job or assignment. For example, "Once you have gathered all the data, you can "begin the task" of analyzing the results."

What's a more formal way to say "begin the task"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "commence the endeavor" or "initiate the process". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What can I say instead of "begin the task" in informal writing?

In more casual contexts, consider using phrases like "get started on" or simply "start". These are less formal and more conversational.

Is there a difference between "begin the task" and "start the task"?

The phrases ""begin the task"" and "start the task" are largely interchangeable. However, "begin" can sometimes imply a more deliberate or formal initiation, while "start" is more general.