beginner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beginner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who is new to a particular activity or subject, indicating a lack of experience or skill. Example: "As a beginner in photography, I found the workshop incredibly helpful for learning the basics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There are dozens of schools offering every possible permutation of tuition and course, from a three-hour try-out upwards (from beginner to winner, as they say), as well as shops selling and renting equipment.

The Guardian - Travel

He stresses that, in cinema terms, he's still a beginner.

The Guardian

For this beginner he explains that income is a flow – it moves and can grow and change according to output.

The Guardian - Books

The detail matters in pruning, and if you are a beginner, keep referring back to a book: the RHS Pruning & Training manual remains the best.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At beginner level, on minuscule training jumps that barely lift you off the ground and are rubbish to look at, it's a huge disappointment.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Hooping Mad offer classes across the South West and South Wales, from beginner to advanced level (£35 for a six-week course).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Week 5: Showing and telling - Monday 12 October The beginner writer often struggles with the creative writing tutor's dictum, 'Show, don't tell'.

The Guardian

All of our courses can be modified for beginner, intermediate or advanced ability levels – or we can accommodate the varied needs of groups and teams.

The Guardian

It would be awful to fail as an outright beginner philosopher when the course has hardly started.

The Economist

A recent survey by the American Lawyer found that 47% of large firms had seen clients refuse to have hours billed to beginner lawyers.American Express, GE, Sony, Yahoo! and Netflix have all started using Pangea3 for basic legal tasks.

The Economist

Returning to the life of a student in this foreign world, I feel like a beginner again.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for "beginners", avoid using jargon or overly technical language. Providing clear, concise explanations is essential.

Common error

A frequent error is assuming "beginners" possess some foundational knowledge. Always start with the basics and build up complexity gradually to avoid overwhelming them.

Linguistic Context

The word "beginner" functions primarily as a noun, denoting an individual who is new to an activity or field. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Examples show it modifying other nouns, such as "beginner designer" or "beginner classes".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "beginner" is a common and grammatically sound noun used to describe someone new to an activity or skill. Ludwig AI verifies its correctness, and its frequency across diverse sources like The Independent, The Economist, and Encyclopedia Britannica confirms its widespread usage. It effectively communicates a lack of experience and sets appropriate expectations. While versatile, it's important to consider context and audience to refine vocabulary with alternatives such as "novice" or "rookie" when needed. When addressing a "beginner", prioritize clear and simple language to facilitate understanding and avoid potential confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

novice

Indicates someone new to an activity or skill, similar to "beginner" but with a slightly more formal tone.

rookie

Often used in sports or professional contexts, implying someone in their first season or year.

trainee

Refers to someone undergoing training, often in a professional setting, to acquire new skills.

apprentice

Suggests someone learning a trade or craft under the guidance of a master, emphasizing hands-on experience.

newcomer

A general term for someone who is new to a place, group, or activity, without necessarily implying a lack of skill.

initiate

Implies someone who has just started learning about a particular subject or joining a specific group.

learner

Focuses on the process of acquiring knowledge or skills, applicable in various learning environments.

tyro

An uncommon, slightly archaic term for a beginner, often used in literary or historical contexts.

amateur

Denotes someone who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than professionally, often implying a lack of experience.

neophyte

A formal term for someone newly converted to a belief or newly involved in an activity.

FAQs

How can I use "beginner" in a sentence?

You can use "beginner" to describe someone who is new to an activity, for example, "As a beginner in yoga, I found the poses challenging."

What are some synonyms for "beginner"?

Alternatives to "beginner" include "novice", "rookie", and "newcomer", each carrying slightly different connotations depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use the term "beginner"?

While generally acceptable, consider the audience and context. More formal settings might benefit from using "novice", while "rookie" is specific to sports or professional contexts. The term "learner", focuses on the process of acquiring knowledge or skills, applicable in various learning environments.

What's the difference between "beginner" and "expert"?

"Beginner" refers to someone with little to no experience, while "expert" describes someone with extensive knowledge and skill in a particular area. One is just starting out, while the other has mastered their craft.