begin to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the start of an action or process. Example: "I will begin to study for my exams next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You begin to look.

The New York Times

Things begin to fry".

The New Yorker

You begin to gasp.

The New Yorker

I begin to sweat.

The New York Times

"Begin to eat.

The New York Times

The souvenirs begin to pall.

The New Yorker

Slowly, they begin to dance.

The New Yorker

Veins begin to clot off.

The New Yorker

We begin to hate whales.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You begin to fear them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They begin to bark furiously.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin to" when you want to indicate the initial phase of an action or process. It suggests a gradual start, rather than an immediate or abrupt one.

Common error

While "begin to" is perfectly acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "start to", "commence to", or more specific verbs that describe the action itself to vary your sentence structure and improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to" primarily functions as an auxiliary verb phrase, indicating the commencement or initial stage of an action. Ludwig AI's analysis and examples demonstrate its role in setting the stage for a process or activity to unfold.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "begin to" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate the start of an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as in wiki articles. While highly common, writers should avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "start to" or "commence to" for stylistic variation. Remember to use "begin to" when you want to emphasize the initial phase of a gradual development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to

Indicates the commencement of an action, similar to "begin to" but often considered more informal.

commence to

A more formal and often less common way of saying "begin to", indicating the start of something.

initiate

Implies a more deliberate and planned start to an action or process.

get going

An informal phrase that suggests starting an activity or journey.

kick off

Suggests starting something, often a project or event, with energy and enthusiasm.

embark on

Implies starting a journey or endeavor, often one that is significant or challenging.

set about

Indicates starting to do something in a focused and organized way.

launch into

Suggests starting something with vigor and enthusiasm, often without hesitation.

undertake to

A formal way of saying you're starting or promising to do something.

proceed to

Indicates moving forward to the next step or stage in a process.

FAQs

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

"Begin to" is used to indicate the start of an action or process. For example, "You "begin to understand"" or "Things "begin to change"".

What are some alternatives to "begin to"?

You can use alternatives like "start to", "commence to", or "initiate" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "begin to" and "start to"?

While "begin to" and "start to" are often interchangeable, "begin to" can sometimes imply a more gradual or formal commencement of an action compared to "start to".

When is it best to use "begin to" over other similar phrases?

Use "begin to" when you want to emphasize the initial stage of a process and suggest a gradual development. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider the specific nuance you want to convey.