beginning of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beginning of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial part or phase of something, such as a time period, event, or process. Example: "At the beginning of the meeting, we discussed the agenda for the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The beginning of everything.

The New Yorker

The beginning of a third.

The New York Times - Food

It's the beginning of it".

The New York Times - Sports

"At the beginning of 2014.

Independent

"Beginning of what?" he asked.

The New York Times

That was the beginning of our partnership.

The New Yorker

He said since the beginning of time.

The New York Times

"I see the beginning of a recovery.

The New York Times

"It is the beginning of the end".

The New York Times

This is the beginning of smelly season.

The New Yorker

Or the beginning of something else?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "beginning of", ensure that the noun following "of" clearly indicates the time period, event, or process you are referring to. For example, "beginning of the year", "beginning of the project", or "beginning of the end".

Common error

Avoid using "beginning of" when referring to an action that has already started and is ongoing. Use phrases like "since the beginning" or "from the start" instead to indicate continuous action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beginning of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, specifying the initial part or phase of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it used in various contexts to denote the commencement of events, time periods, or processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beginning of" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote the initial part of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. As evidenced by numerous examples, this phrase appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and wikis. When using "beginning of", ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is starting, and choose a synonym to add interest to your text, when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start of

Replaces "beginning" with a synonym, maintaining the same prepositional structure and meaning.

onset of

Emphasizes the commencement or initial stage, often used in medical or abstract contexts.

outset of

Highlights the very start or initiation of an event or period.

commencement of

A more formal alternative, suitable for official or academic writing.

dawn of

Implies a new era or the start of something significant, often used metaphorically.

genesis of

Focuses on the origin or creation of something, often used in historical or developmental contexts.

inception of

Refers to the formal start or establishment of an institution, project, or idea.

birth of

Conveys the creation or emergence of something new, often used in creative or innovative contexts.

emergence of

Describes the process of something becoming visible or known, often used in social or political contexts.

initiation of

Highlights the action or process that causes something to begin.

FAQs

How can I use "beginning of" in a sentence?

The phrase "beginning of" is used to indicate the starting point of something. For example, "At the beginning of the movie, the protagonist faces a major challenge" or "The beginning of the project was marked by several unexpected delays".

What are some alternatives to "beginning of"?

You can use alternatives like "start of", "onset of", or "outset of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in the beginning of" instead of "at the beginning of"?

While "at the beginning of" is generally preferred and more common, "in the beginning of" is not necessarily incorrect, but less idiomatic. "At the beginning of" is usually used for specific events or periods, while "in the beginning" can refer to a more general or abstract start.

What's the difference between "beginning of" and "start of"?

The phrases "beginning of" and "start of" are largely interchangeable and can be used in most contexts without significant difference in meaning. Both indicate the initial phase or point of something.