beginning to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beginning to ask" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the initial stages of someone starting to inquire or pose questions about something. Example: "After several weeks of observation, she was beginning to ask more questions about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many Kenyans are now beginning to ask the same question: How could this have happened?

The New York Times

Youngsters beginning to ask questions like Sam's could do worse than watch him seek the answers.

The New York Times

"Kuwaitis are increasingly beginning to ask where all this money is going".

The New York Times

"People are only now beginning to ask these kinds of questions.

Cornell University

But some advertisers are beginning to ask tougher questions about the nature and quality of circulation.

The New York Times

"Bullies have always been with us, and we're only beginning to ask why".

The New York Times

People were beginning to ask whether dominating the NFL's regular season was even really worthwhile.

The Guardian - Sport

"People are beginning to ask questions," she says with a smile.

The Guardian

They were beginning to ask extra levies to be able to pay out for funerals".

The Guardian

But now Congress is finally beginning to ask who made the ultimate decisions at the top".

The New York Times

His appearance gives voice to the questions you're beginning to ask yourself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "starting to question" or "commencing to inquire" to add variety to your writing, especially when repeating the phrase frequently.

Common error

Avoid abruptly switching tenses after using "beginning to ask". Ensure the subsequent actions or inquiries maintain the same tense for clarity and coherence. For instance, don't follow "they are beginning to ask" with a past tense statement without proper context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beginning to ask" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as part of a verb phrase. It indicates the initiation of an inquiry or questioning process. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used to introduce new lines of inquiry or emerging concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beginning to ask" is a versatile and commonly used gerund phrase that signifies the commencement of an inquiry or questioning process. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is deemed grammatically correct and find its presence across various writing styles with a neutral register. Occurring most frequently in "News & Media", "Academia" and "Formal & Business" contexts, it effectively introduces questions or concerns that arise from new information or evolving situations. When writing, ensure tense consistency and consider synonyms like "starting to question" to add variety to your work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting to question

Replaces "ask" with "question", focusing on the mental process of forming doubts or uncertainties.

commencing to inquire

Uses more formal synonyms for "beginning" and "ask", resulting in a more elevated tone.

starting to wonder

Shifts the focus from actively asking to internally pondering or speculating.

getting around to asking

Suggests a delay or gradual approach to posing a question.

starting to investigate

Replaces "ask" with "investigate", suggesting a more thorough and systematic inquiry.

raising the question

Focuses on the act of introducing a question for discussion or consideration.

posing the question

Similar to "raising the question", but emphasizes the act of formally presenting a question.

starting to probe

Suggests a more intrusive or detailed questioning process.

developing an interest in asking

Highlights the growing curiosity or motivation behind asking questions.

turning their attention to asking

Indicates a shift in focus towards questioning a particular aspect.

FAQs

What does "beginning to ask" mean?

The phrase "beginning to ask" indicates the initial stage of posing questions or making inquiries, often after a period of observation or consideration. It suggests a transition from passively receiving information to actively seeking answers.

What are some alternatives to "beginning to ask"?

You can use alternatives like "starting to question", "commencing to inquire", or "starting to wonder" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "beginning to ask" effectively in a sentence?

Use "beginning to ask" to introduce a question or series of questions that arise as a result of new information or changing circumstances. For example, "After reviewing the data, analysts were beginning to ask whether the project was viable".

Is there a difference between "beginning to ask" and "starting to ask"?

While both phrases are similar, "beginning to ask" might imply a slightly more gradual or hesitant approach to questioning compared to "starting to ask". The choice often depends on the desired nuance and context.