beginning to call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beginning to call" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the initial stages of making a phone call or starting to contact someone. Example: "I was beginning to call my friend when I realized I had forgotten my phone at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Local residents are beginning to call in tips.

The New York Times

Critics are beginning to call the Colts the N.F.L.'s version of the Atlanta Braves.

The New York Times

Like most builders that are beginning to call back workers, Egg Harbor has modest goals.

The New York Times

Now, with war in Iraq looming, some are beginning to call it the Saddam Hussein channel.

The Guardian

A veteran of the Howard regime said the saga was beginning to call Mr Cameron's judgement into question.

Independent

When hearings resume Monday, Microsoft will continue to question Professor Shapiro before beginning to call its own witnesses.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Then feebly began to call "Rudolph".

The New Yorker

Friends began to call with warnings.

The New Yorker

Then they began to call.

The Guardian

"People began to call me.

The New York Times

I began to call him.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beginning to call" to describe the early stages of adopting a new name, description, or designation for something. This indicates a gradual shift in perception or terminology.

Common error

While "beginning to call" is acceptable, excessive use can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "starting to name" or "starting to label" for a more refined tone in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beginning to call" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the initial phase of naming, describing, or contacting. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Examples show its application across diverse contexts, from news reports to academic discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

9%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "beginning to call" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to indicate the initial phase of naming, contacting, or describing something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, with a neutral register that adapts to professional or academic settings. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, signifying its role in reporting on evolving trends and opinions. When writing, consider using synonyms like "starting to name" or "starting to label" for stylistic variety, while maintaining its core function of signaling a shift in terminology or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting to contact

Focuses on the initial act of reaching out to someone.

starting to phone

Highlights the initial act of making a phone call.

starting to refer to

Focuses on the initial act of mentioning or alluding to something.

starting to name

Focuses on the act of assigning a name at the initial stage.

starting to describe as

Focuses on the initial way of characterizing something.

starting to label

Emphasizes the act of categorizing or classifying at the onset.

starting to term

Emphasizes the initial use of a specific term or expression.

starting to identify as

Emphasizes the initial stage of recognizing or defining something.

starting to designate

Highlights the act of officially assigning a title or function early on.

starting to consider as

Highlights the initial phase of viewing or regarding something in a certain way.

FAQs

How can I use "beginning to call" in a sentence?

You can use "beginning to call" to describe the initial stage of naming something, for example: "Some critics are "starting to call" the new policy a success".

What are some alternatives to "beginning to call"?

Alternatives include "starting to name", "starting to label", or "starting to refer to", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

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

The phrases "beginning to call" and "starting to call" are largely interchangeable. However, "beginning" might imply a slightly more gradual or hesitant start compared to "starting".

When is it appropriate to use "beginning to call" in writing?

It's appropriate when describing the initial phase of adopting a new term or name. For instance, "Researchers are "starting to call" this phenomenon 'the butterfly effect'".