beginning to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beginning to know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the process of starting to gain knowledge or understanding about something or someone. Example: "After spending time together, I feel like I'm beginning to know her better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"I'm beginning to know myself.

The New Yorker

I am beginning to know the feeling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mehta says he is just beginning to know the orchestra.

The New Yorker

"And with viral epidemics we are beginning to know what the risks are.

The New Yorker

I am beginning to know the acronyms, even though they seem to be endless.

The Washington Post

No, people are beginning to know how grievously they have been betrayed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

People began to know me.

The New York Times

I began to know what this meant.

The Guardian - Opinion

I began to know the players.

The New York Times

About my Pereira, however, I began to know many things.

The Guardian - Books

"When nobody called, we began to know," Mrs. Karol said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beginning to know" to express the initial stages of understanding someone or something after a period of exposure or learning.

Common error

Be careful not to use "beginning to know" when you actually have a comprehensive understanding. This phrase implies that your knowledge is still developing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beginning to know" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initial stage of acquiring knowledge or understanding. It suggests a process that is underway but not yet complete. Ludwig AI confirms this is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beginning to know" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to indicate the initial phase of understanding or becoming familiar with something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, with notable presence in academic and scientific writing as well. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the stage of understanding you wish to convey – a developing but not yet complete awareness. Alternatives such as "starting to understand" or "becoming aware of" can be used to express similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting to understand

Focuses on the initial phase of comprehension.

coming to realize

Emphasizes the gradual development of awareness.

gaining familiarity with

Highlights the process of becoming acquainted with something.

developing an understanding of

Stresses the creation of a comprehensive knowledge.

becoming aware of

Focuses on the transition to a state of recognition.

getting to grips with

Suggests tackling and understanding something complex.

learning the ropes

Implies learning the specifics of a job or situation.

getting the hang of

Suggests acquiring the knack or skill to do something.

grasping the essentials of

Emphasizes understanding the fundamental aspects.

waking up to

Highlights a sudden realization or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "beginning to know" to indicate that you are in the early stages of understanding something or someone. For example: "I'm beginning to know how the system works" or "We are beginning to know each other better".

What's a good alternative to "beginning to know"?

Alternatives to "beginning to know" include "starting to understand", "coming to realize", or "becoming aware of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "beginning to know" or "starting to know"?

"Beginning to know" and "starting to know" are very similar. "Beginning to know" might suggest a more gradual process, while "starting to know" can imply a more immediate onset. Both are acceptable, and the choice often depends on personal preference.

What does "beginning to know" imply about the depth of understanding?

"Beginning to know" implies that the understanding is not yet complete or comprehensive. It suggests an initial phase of learning and familiarity, with more to be discovered.