begin to sense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to sense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the process of starting to perceive or become aware of something. Example: "As the days went by, I began to sense a change in the atmosphere around us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We also begin to sense how deep her problems go.

The New York Times - Books

At the Carrier Dome, you could begin to sense hostility even before you stepped inside.

The New Yorker

People begin to sense that you're out there taking risks for them.

The New York Times - Books

Don't become lax on cost as you begin to sense rising demand.

Harvard Business Review

After a second bite, you begin to sense the illusion behind the science.

The Washington Post

It's only as the conversation progresses that you begin to sense a divergence.

The Guardian - Film

As the show proceeds, you begin to sense a divergence of interests.

The New York Times

Chelsea's hand could be forced if they begin to sense Champions League football is slipping away.

The Guardian - Sport

As a result, we begin to sense that we are living in a dislocated society.

The Guardian - Books

We begin to sense difficulties, too, not just in her marriage but in the lives of others.

The New Yorker

But just as we begin to sense a dab of sentimentality, Ms. Lohan says, "It's just not my thing anymore".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin to sense" when you want to emphasize the gradual or initial stage of perceiving something, whether it's a feeling, an idea, or a change in circumstances. This phrase adds nuance to your writing by indicating that the awareness is just starting to develop.

Common error

Avoid using "begin to sense" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "start to feel", "become aware of", or "notice" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to sense" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of a sensory or intuitive perception. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes the initial stage of becoming aware of something, be it a feeling, an idea, or a change in one's environment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

19%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "begin to sense" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the initial stages of awareness or perception. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While alternatives like "start to feel" or "become aware of" exist, "begin to sense" specifically highlights the gradual nature of this awareness. To enhance your writing, remember to use the phrase judiciously and avoid over-repetition. Overall, mastering the nuances of "begin to sense" will enrich your descriptive abilities and add depth to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to perceive

Focuses on the initial stage of perceiving something, emphasizing the mental process of becoming aware.

start to feel

Highlights the emotional or physical aspect of sensing something, emphasizing a subjective experience.

become aware of

Emphasizes the gaining of knowledge or realization about something, focusing on understanding.

start to notice

Emphasizes observing something, often something previously overlooked, focusing on visual or auditory perception.

begin to realize

Focuses on the gradual understanding of a concept or situation, emphasizing intellectual comprehension.

get the impression

Highlights a subjective feeling or belief formed without concrete evidence, emphasizing a personal interpretation.

develop a sense of

Emphasizes the gradual development of an understanding or feeling about something, focusing on a process over time.

start to suspect

Highlights a beginning feeling of doubt or mistrust, often involving a negative connotation.

begin to understand

Focuses on the initial stages of comprehending a concept or situation, emphasizing intellectual grasp.

get a sense of

Emphasizes obtaining a general feeling or understanding about something, often based on intuition or limited information.

FAQs

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

You can use "begin to sense" to describe the initial stage of perceiving something. For example, "As the days went by, I "began to sense" a change in the atmosphere around us".

What can I say instead of "begin to sense"?

Alternatives include "start to feel", "become aware of", or "start to notice", depending on the context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "began sensing" instead of "begin to sense"?

While "began sensing" is grammatically correct, it implies a more direct and immediate action, whereas "begin to sense" suggests a gradual or developing awareness. The choice depends on the specific context you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "begin to sense" and "get a sense of"?

"Begin to sense" implies an initial awareness that is gradually developing, while "get a sense of" suggests forming a general impression or understanding based on available information or intuition.