begin to speak

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to speak" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the start of verbal communication or expressing the action of starting to talk. Example: "After a long pause, she finally began to speak about her experiences during the trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But more reform politicians might begin to speak up now.

The New York Times

Bessie and Jacob begin to speak in tongues, too and consult Ouija boards.

The New Yorker

It seemed to break into several parts, and to begin to speak in several voices.

The New Yorker

It opens up the possibility that Vladimir could begin to speak.

The New York Times

But then, you walk a little closer and the slabs begin to speak.

The New York Times

As I sat, staring at that blank page, a voice begin to speak inside my head.

The Guardian

She did not begin to speak or to walk until she was 5.

The New York Times

As we move inside the shop the toys begin to speak to each other.

The Guardian - Books

The others begin to speak too, offering their lineages in their own tongues.

The New York Times - Arts

Prism, Tempora, Upstream, Bullrun – as our language grows we begin to speak with greater clarity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only in his 90s, she said, did her father begin to speak publicly of his tennis success.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin to speak" when you want to emphasize the starting point of a conversation or a period of speech. It is useful for describing moments of transition or initiation in communication.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "begin to speak" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider alternatives like "start talking" or "speak up" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to speak" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the start of verbal communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English, marking the commencement of speech.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "begin to speak" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote the commencement of speech. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English. While commonly found in various contexts such as News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias, it can sometimes sound overly formal in casual conversation. Remember to choose synonyms like "start talking" or "speak up" to maintain a more natural tone in informal settings. Use "begin to speak" when you want to emphasize the starting point of a conversation or a period of speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start talking

Focuses on the act of initiating conversation.

commence speaking

A more formal way to indicate the start of speaking.

initiate speech

Emphasizes the formal or technical beginning of vocal communication.

utter first words

Highlights the act of saying the initial words.

break one's silence

Suggests a transition from silence to speaking.

open one's mouth

A more literal expression for beginning to speak.

find one's voice

Implies gaining the confidence or ability to speak.

give voice to

To start expressing an idea, an emotion or a feeling

verbalize thoughts

To express thoughts in words, starting the process of making them audible

articulate ideas

To express an idea in a clear and effective manner

FAQs

What does "begin to speak" mean?

The phrase "begin to speak" means to start talking or verbally communicating. It signifies the initiation of speech.

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

You can use "begin to speak" to describe the action of starting to talk, such as "After a moment of hesitation, she began to speak".

What are some alternatives to "begin to speak"?

Some alternatives to "begin to speak" include "start talking", "commence speaking", or "initiate speech", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "begin to speak" and "start to speak"?

The phrases "begin to speak" and "start to speak" are largely synonymous and interchangeable. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.