begin to imagine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to imagine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when encouraging someone to start envisioning or conceptualizing an idea or scenario. Example: "As you listen to the music, try to begin to imagine the story behind the lyrics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

What American could even begin to imagine?

The New York Times - Magazine

"I can't even begin to imagine what it means".

The New York Times

Pandora can only begin to imagine where this will lead.

Independent

And then, maybe, you begin to imagine a different city".

The New York Times - Magazine

You can't begin to imagine what they're feeling right now.

The Guardian - Sport

You begin to imagine stories about their lives and families".

The New York Times

"I can't even begin to imagine what they're going through".

The Guardian

"You can't even begin to imagine what you're up against".

The New York Times - Arts

In ways we can't even begin to imagine.

The Guardian - Tech

I can't even begin to imagine what Bob was going through".

The New York Times

Downtown was really so much worse than anyone in L.A. could even begin to imagine.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "begin to imagine", ensure the context clearly indicates the start of a thought process or visualization. It's effective for prompting creativity or understanding a new perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "begin to imagine" in situations where a simpler verb like "think" or "consider" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to imagine" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a cognitive process. Ludwig shows it's often used to introduce hypothetical scenarios or encourage creative thinking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begin to imagine" is a versatile verb phrase used to encourage visualization or contemplation. Ludwig's analysis confirms it's grammatically correct and very common, especially in News & Media. It serves to prompt audiences to consider new perspectives or hypothetical scenarios. While alternatives like "start envisioning" exist, "begin to imagine" offers a slightly more formal tone. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is good to use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start envisioning

Focuses on the commencement of visualising something.

commence imagining

A more formal way to express the start of the imagination process.

start to conceive

Highlights the initial formation of an idea or concept.

start visualizing

Emphasizes the creation of a mental image at the beginning.

initiate envisioning

A more emphatic way to convey beginning the process of envisioning.

formulate a mental picture

Highlights creating an image in the mind.

entertain the idea

Suggests considering an idea or possibility.

toy with the concept

Implies exploring an idea in a playful or tentative way.

start to contemplate

Indicates the beginning of thoughtful consideration.

explore the possibility

Focuses on investigating whether something is feasible or likely.

FAQs

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

You can use "begin to imagine" to introduce a hypothetical scenario or to encourage someone to consider a new perspective. For example, "Begin to imagine a world without poverty."

What are some alternatives to "begin to imagine"?

Some alternatives include "start envisioning", "start to conceive", or "start visualizing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "begin to imagine" or "start to imagine"?

Both "begin to imagine" and "start to imagine" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often comes down to personal preference or the desired tone, with "begin" sounding slightly more formal.

When is it appropriate to use "begin to imagine" in writing?

"Begin to imagine" is suitable when you want to emphasize the initial stage of a mental process, especially when introducing a creative or abstract concept. It's effective in persuasive writing or storytelling.