begin to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to think" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating the start of a thought process or a change in mindset. Example: "After considering the evidence, I began to think that there might be another explanation for the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We begin to think differently.

The Economist

And you begin to think about trust.

The New Yorker

"You begin to think: 'Hey, I'm good.

The New York Times - Health

And I begin to think: really?

The Guardian - Books

"They can begin to think for themselves".

The Guardian

"People begin to think they can speak out," he said.

The New York Times

Will the Americans begin to think about the home front?

The New York Times

"The mob begin to think and to reason".

The New Yorker

I can't begin to think of what to do next.

The Guardian

You begin to think how healthcare could be delivered differently.

The Guardian

I begin to think you will bear watching, Mr. Trump.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "start to consider" or "commence thinking" /s/start+to+consider to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "begin to think" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Use alternative phrases like "start considering" or "commence reflecting" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to think" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the initiation of a cognitive process. It highlights the moment someone starts to consider or contemplate something. Ludwig provides various examples demonstrating its use in diverse contexts, such as forming opinions, considering possibilities, or changing perspectives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

26%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begin to think" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signals the initiation of a thought process. As Ludwig AI points out, it is versatile and appears across various contexts, from news and media to academia, highlighting its widespread applicability. While "begin to think" is generally correct, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrases such as "start to consider" or "commence thinking" to enhance writing quality. Ultimately, "begin to think" serves as a valuable tool for describing the evolution of understanding and perspective in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start contemplating

Emphasizes a more deliberate and sustained thought process.

start reflecting

Highlights internal thought and contemplation.

begin pondering

Suggests a deeper, more reflective form of thinking.

commence considering

Formal and emphasizes the beginning of careful thought.

start to believe

Implies a shift towards forming a conviction or opinion.

develop an opinion

Focuses on forming a judgment or viewpoint.

formulate a thought

Emphasizes the creation of a specific idea or concept.

entertain the idea

Indicates a willingness to consider a new possibility.

turn one's mind to

Focuses attention and mental effort on a specific topic.

take into consideration

Suggests the initial stage of factoring something into one's thoughts.

FAQs

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

You can use "begin to think" to indicate the start of a thought process or a change in mindset. For example, "After reviewing the data, I began to think there might be a different explanation."

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

You can use alternatives like "start to consider", "commence thinking", or "start reflecting" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "began to think" instead of "begin to think"?

"Began to think" is the past tense form of the phrase and is appropriate when describing a past event or thought process, while "begin to think" is used for present or future scenarios.

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

While similar, "begin to think" often suggests a more gradual or initial stage of thought, whereas "start thinking" can imply a more immediate or active engagement in the thought process.