begin to act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to act" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating the start of an action or behavior in various contexts, such as personal development or decision-making. Example: "After much deliberation, she decided it was time to begin to act on her goals and make a change in her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Second, begin to act exactly counter to how you feel.

The New York Times - Magazine

The recent dip in commodity prices could begin to act as a delayed tax cut.

The New York Times

At these frigid temperatures and ultralow densities, atoms begin to act very strangely.

Princeton University

It is at this point that they begin to act more like scientists.

The New York Times

"Number 2. If you are not careful, you will begin to act like an object".

The Guardian - Film

His point was: we can't begin to act this play if we meet for the first time onstage.

The New Yorker

But by taking a bold 10-year view we can make common sense common practice and begin to act earlier.

The Guardian

Israel says it will only stop the practices when Palestinian security forces begin to act against militant groups.

The New York Times

They begin to act almost like they are married, because all around them the world has become so devastating.

The New Yorker

He snaps at her "If you're my wife, you have to begin to act like his mother".

The New Yorker

When people begin to act out the song's lyrics and take off all their clothes, you can quickly gather up all those clothes and put them on.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin to act" when you want to emphasize the initial phase of adopting a new behavior or starting a particular course of action. It's particularly useful when the action involves a deliberate shift or change.

Common error

Avoid using "begin to act" in simple situations where "start acting" or "start to act" would suffice. The slightly more formal tone can feel stilted in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to act" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as a verb complement or part of a verb phrase. It indicates the commencement or initiation of an action or behavior. Ludwig AI shows its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begin to act" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to describe the initial phase of adopting a new behavior or starting a specific course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is very common, particularly in news media, academic, and scientific contexts. When writing, consider the slightly formal tone of "begin to act" and ensure it aligns with the overall style of your text; in more casual contexts, alternatives like "start acting" may be more appropriate. It can be used in various contexts, ranging from personal development to political commentary, to scientific explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start acting

Replaces "begin" with "start", offering a more direct and informal tone.

start to behave

Specifically targets the initiation of a particular behavior.

take action

Focuses on the action itself, implying a decision to move forward.

commence action

Uses "commence" for a more formal and emphatic start to the action.

initiate activity

Emphasizes the formal commencement of an activity or process.

spring into action

Suggests a rapid and energetic start to an activity.

undertake action

Uses "undertake" to emphasize a deliberate and often serious commencement.

get into gear

Implies preparation and readiness before beginning the action.

kick off

Suggests a less formal way of start acting.

activate

Focuses on initiating a process or system, often in a technical context.

FAQs

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

You can use "begin to act" to describe the initial stage of adopting a new behavior or course of action. For example: "After the training, the employees should "begin to act" more professionally."

What are some alternatives to "begin to act"?

Alternatives include phrases like "start acting", "take action", or "commence action", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it better to say "begin acting" or "begin to act"?

Both "begin acting" and ""begin to act"" are grammatically correct, but "begin to act" often implies a more conscious or deliberate initiation of the action.

What's the difference between "start to act" and "begin to act"?

"Start to act" is generally more informal and commonly used in everyday conversation, while ""begin to act"" can carry a slightly more formal or intentional connotation.