begin to sink

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to sink" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the initial stages of something starting to descend or fail, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "As the storm approached, the boat began to sink slowly, causing panic among the passengers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Only then did the significance begin to sink in.

The Guardian

You begin to sink into a black hole".

The New York Times - Arts

Did Obama begin to sink in the polls, as pundits predicted?

The New Yorker

What can Clinton and Trump supporters expect in the coming weeks as the results begin to sink in?

Harvard Business Review

As a nonpolitician, he must rely on the prime minister's support, which could evaporate if the economy and stock prices begin to sink again.

The New York Times

Elsewhere, it remained only for the shock and awe of what had happened on a momentous night to begin to sink in.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Farrell began to sink putts.

The New Yorker

My heart began to sink.

The New York Times - Magazine

Reality began to sink in.

The New York Times

The sun begins to sink.

The New Yorker

As expected, stock prices began to sink.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "begin to sink" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes what is declining or failing. For example, "His popularity began to sink after the scandal."

Common error

Avoid using "begin to sank". The correct past tense is "began to sink". For example, "The ship began to sink after hitting the iceberg."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to sink" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and describes the initial stage of descending or failing. Examples show it used both literally and figuratively.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "begin to sink" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the onset of a decline or submersion. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's a versatile phrase, applicable in both literal and figurative contexts. While it maintains a neutral register, its usage spans across various domains, particularly in news and media, science, and academic writing. Remember to use the correct tense ("began to sink" for past tense) and ensure the context is clear when employing it metaphorically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to submerge

Focuses on the action of going underwater.

commence to decline

Emphasizes the beginning of a weakening or worsening state.

start to descend

Highlights a movement from a higher to a lower position.

initiate a downfall

Implies a commencement of ruin or failure.

enter a decline

Focuses on the process of entering a state of worsening.

start to fail

Emphasizes the action of starting to be unsuccessful.

fall into decline

Focuses on the gradual process of worsening or weakening.

start to plummet

Highlights a steep and rapid decline.

decline rapidly

Emphasizes a fast rate of deterioration.

start to founder

Signifies the start of a breakdown or failure, especially in a venture.

FAQs

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

You can use "begin to sink" to describe something literally descending into water, or metaphorically declining. For example, "The boat "began to sink" after the storm", or "His hopes "began to sink" as the deadline approached".

What's a similar phrase to "begin to sink"?

Alternatives include phrases like "start to decline", "start to descend", or "enter a decline", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "begin to sank" instead of "begin to sink"?

No, "begin to sank" is grammatically incorrect. The correct past tense form is ""began to sink"". "Sank" is the past tense of "sink" alone, without the auxiliary verb "begin".

What's the difference between "begin to sink" and "sink"?

"Begin to sink" implies the start of the sinking process, while "sink" describes the complete action of going below the surface or failing entirely. "The ship "began to sink"" means it started going down, but "The ship "sank"" means it went completely underwater.