begin to happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to happen" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe the start or onset of an event or action. Example: "The storm clouds began to gather in the sky, and we knew it was only a matter of time before the rain would begin to happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

* * * Strange things soon begin to happen.

The New Yorker

And from that moment black things begin to happen.

The Guardian

That too will begin to happen in 2015.Britain's economy is also on the mend.

The Economist

In fact, nothing good can begin to happen in a writer's education until that sinks in.

The New York Times

There is just one moment in these two huge shows when this does begin to happen.

Independent

Once the family has been sealed off from society, strange things begin to happen.

The New Yorker

Why do I think this will begin to happen in 2013?

The Guardian

Only when the abused speak up in great numbers does real change begin to happen.

The New York Times

As the week draws to an end odd things begin to happen.

The Guardian

Strange things begin to happen, unless nothing is happening at all.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It happens all the time in heaven/And some day/It will begin to happen/.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin to happen" to describe the initial phase of a process or event when emphasizing the start rather than the entirety.

Common error

Avoid using "begin to happen" excessively in formal writing where more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "commence" or "initiate" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to happen" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the initiation or commencement of an event, action, or process. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "begin to happen" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the commencement of an event or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It finds applications across various contexts, especially in News & Media, and Wiki. While its register is generally neutral, formal alternatives may be favored in academic or professional settings. As shown by Ludwig's examples, the phrase serves to inform or describe the start of something, setting the stage for further developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to occur

Replaces "begin" with "start" and "happen" with "occur", keeping the meaning of something commencing.

set in motion

Describes the act of initiating a series of events or a process.

commence to take place

Uses more formal synonyms for both "begin" and "happen", indicating a more official start.

initiate to unfold

Suggests a deliberate beginning and a gradual revelation or development.

get underway

An idiomatic expression that means to start or begin.

materialize

Focuses on the actual realization or appearance of something.

come into effect

Indicates the moment something becomes operational or active.

arise

Indicates the start of a situation or problem.

spring into action

Implies a sudden and energetic start.

kick off

An informal term for starting something, often an event or project.

FAQs

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

Use "begin to happen" to describe the onset or start of an event or process. For example, "As the pressure increased, mistakes "begin to happen"."

What are some alternatives to "begin to happen"?

You can use alternatives such as "start to occur", "commence to take place", or "get underway" depending on the context.

Is "begin to happen" formal or informal?

"Begin to happen" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional writing.

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

While both phrases are very similar, "begin to happen" may suggest a more gradual or prolonged commencement compared to "start to happen", which can imply a more immediate onset.