beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "beginning" is correct and usable in written English any time you need to refer to the start of something.
Example: "We decided that the best place to start was at the beginning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Sport

Business

Arts

Travel

Tech

Books

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the Wolds they are beginning to build wind turbines.

The Guardian - Arts

Speaking on a campaign visit in the SNP target seat of Edinburgh South earlier on Tuesday, Murphy said lots of voters were only beginning to think about the issues at stake: "The election is only 24 hours old; there are weeks to go," he said.

The Guardian

He is beginning to be trapped in his own body.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the bottom end, consumers are beginning to see through the old lie that supermarkets are always cheaper (my greengrocer beats the prices at Sainsbury's every time, which is why there's always a queue).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, he predicted the phenomenon of reviving dead celebrities was only just beginning.

The Guardian

It has swelled in size as residents who fled the recent war in the Congo start to return, to take up work in trade, fishing and gold mining, which is beginning to kick off in earnest.

The Guardian

Slowly the Westminster classes are beginning to contemplate what might happen if the current numbers hold up and where that would lead the governance of the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this quaint resort is beginning to brighten up, with the grand Hôtel de la Plage now transformed into La Fabrique, a funky lounge bar and restaurant whose DJ gets guests dancing on the waterside terrace, while a year ago, the elegant Marie Collet, turned the top floor of her imposing house into a two-room B&B.

The Guardian - Travel

The journey is just beginning, but early feedback from patients and clinicians working in these new areas is promising.

The Guardian

But I was also beginning to remember why I'd resisted the idea of meditation for so many years: it was difficult, dull and uncomfortable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ryan Lambert at Puck Daddy has some: "His personal underlying numbers (relative corsi of 9.0, fourth on the team) only seem to get better as he's sheltered from tough competition — he's facing the weakest opponents of anyone on the Flames, as you might expect — and beginning just 25 percent of his shifts in the defensive zone, and yet 48.5 percent end there.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add variety to your writing, consider using synonyms like "outset" or "inception" to avoid repetitive use of "beginning".

Common error

Avoid using "beginning" to introduce a topic that is not truly the start of something. For example, instead of "Beginning with the economy, let's discuss...", consider "First, let's discuss the economy..." to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The word "beginning" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the initial point or stage of something. As seen in Ludwig, it often appears in contexts describing the commencement of events, periods, or processes. It can also function as an adjective as in "beginning stages".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Opinion

10%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Sport

7%

Business

5%

Arts

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "beginning" is a versatile term used to denote the start or initial phase of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is grammatically correct and widespread across various contexts. Key synonyms include "start", "outset", and "commencement", each carrying slight nuances in formality and emphasis. While generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure its accurate application, avoiding misuse in transitions. Best practices include diversifying vocabulary and ensuring clear contextual relevance. Overall, "beginning" is a fundamental term, essential for establishing temporal context in both formal and informal discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start

Replaces the noun with a direct synonym, focusing on the action of starting rather than the state.

outset

Emphasizes the very start or commencement of something, often implying a clear and defined starting point.

commencement

A more formal synonym for beginning, often used in official or ceremonial contexts.

inception

Focuses on the point at which something comes into being or is established.

genesis

Implies the origin or mode of formation of something, often with a sense of creation or development.

dawn

Suggests the start of a new era or period, often with a sense of hope or new opportunities.

launch

Conveys the idea of initiating or setting something in motion, often used for projects or ventures.

emergence

Highlights the process of something coming into view or becoming known.

opening

Emphasizes the initial stage or part of something, like a speech or event.

initiation

Focuses on the act of formally starting or introducing something, often with specific procedures or rituals.

FAQs

How can I use "beginning" in a sentence?

The word "beginning" can function as a noun, referring to the start of something, as in "The beginning of the movie was captivating." It can also be used as an adjective, such as "the beginning stages of development."

What are some words I can use instead of "beginning"?

You can use alternatives like "start", "outset", or "commencement" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in the beginning"?

Yes, the phrase "in the beginning" is a common and correct idiom used to refer to the initial stage or point of time. For example, "In the beginning, there was nothing."

What is the difference between "beginning" and "start"?

"Beginning" and "start" are often interchangeable, but "beginning" can sometimes imply a more gradual or extended initial phase, while "start" can indicate a more abrupt commencement. For example, "the beginning of the process" vs. "the start of the race".