beginning of the war

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beginning of the war" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the initial phase or onset of a conflict or war. Example: "The beginning of the war marked a significant turning point in the nation's history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's about the beginning of the war".

The New York Times

"It was already fragile before the beginning of the war.

Independent

"We left at the beginning of the war," says Zoheir.

The Guardian

Never since the beginning of the war have I had under my command more confident troops.

The New York Times

Also on ABC: reflections on the 10th anniversary of the beginning of the war in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

In the beginning of the war, in March 2003, hundreds of photographers came to cover it.

The New York Times

Relations were difficult even before the beginning of the war in Iraq in 2003.

The Economist

The duality of the Habsburg monarchy had been underlined from the very beginning of the war.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The conservatives, as they called themselves, had been in evidence since the beginning of the war.

The New York Times

I can best refer you to Count Tisza's attitude since the beginning of the war.

The Guardian

the beginning of the war (see Vol. 8, Doc. 461a, in the present volume).

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific war, specify which war you're discussing. For example, "At the beginning of the Iraq War…"

Common error

Avoid using "beginning of the war" without context, especially if the war isn't universally known. Provide enough context so your reader immediately understands which conflict you are referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beginning of the war" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "beginning of the war" is a grammatically sound and widely used term to denote the start of a conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general discussions. To ensure clarity, always provide enough context to specify which war you are referencing. Alternatives like "outbreak of war" or "start of the war" can offer stylistic variety. While the phrase is neutral in tone, its impact largely depends on the surrounding narrative and the specific war being discussed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start of the war

Uses 'start' instead of 'beginning', a simple and direct synonym.

outbreak of war

Replaces 'beginning' with 'outbreak', emphasizing the sudden start of conflict.

onset of the war

Uses 'onset' to highlight the initial phase or arrival of the war.

initiation of the war

Replaces 'beginning' with 'initiation', focusing on the act of starting.

early stages of the war

Focuses on the initial period, rather than just the absolute beginning.

dawn of the war

Employs 'dawn' as a metaphor for the start, suggesting a new and often difficult period.

first phase of the war

Highlights that it is the opening segment of a conflict.

commencement of hostilities

A more formal and technical term for the start of military actions.

genesis of the war

Uses 'genesis' to denote the origin or creation of the war.

inauguration of the war

A more formal substitute, implying the formal start of the conflict.

FAQs

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

You can use "beginning of the war" to describe the initial phase or onset of a conflict. For instance, "The refugees fled at the beginning of the war".

What's a more formal way to say "beginning of the war"?

Alternatives include "commencement of hostilities" or "initiation of the war", which are often used in official or academic contexts.

Is it okay to say "start of the war" instead of "beginning of the war"?

Yes, "start of the war" is a perfectly acceptable and common alternative with nearly identical meaning.

When should I use "onset of the war" instead of "beginning of the war"?

The phrase "onset of the war" is suitable when you want to emphasize the initial and often sudden appearance of the conflict.