begins them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begins them" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to indicate the start of a process or action involving "them," but without additional context, it is unclear how to use it appropriately. Example: "The project begins them on a journey of discovery." (Note: This example is awkward and unclear.)

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Ever the pleaser, she frequently begins them with an apology that it had taken her so long to respond.

The New York Times

Those long at-bats usually come after he begins them, not when he is sent in with an 0-2 count, runners on the corners and one out.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Well, I read the books before we begin them.

The New Yorker

You can't end negotiations unless you begin them.

The Washington Post

"Israel is ready to begin them immediately without preconditions.

The Guardian

It also called for political negotiations to begin.Taiwan does not particularly want to begin them.

The Economist

Mr. Obama and his allies would have begun them anyway, Ms. Russell said.

The New York Times

But these programs are expensive enough that cash-strapped governments usually can't begin them.

The New York Times

And you can't begin them if you continually negotiate about the terms to begin negotiations.

The Washington Post

Other campuses will likely begin them next month.

Johns Hopkins University

All three are in early human trials or are about to begin them.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, substitute "begins them" with a more precise verb phrase like "starts them" or "initiates them" to ensure the intended meaning is clear and grammatically sound.

Common error

Do not use "begins them" in formal writing. This phrase is often perceived as awkward and can confuse readers. Opt for stronger, more direct verbs to convey your message effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begins them" functions as a verb phrase followed by a pronoun. However, based on Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically incorrect and uncommon. Its primary function is to indicate the start of an action involving a group or set of items, but it's not a standard construction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "begins them" appears in some contexts, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect and uncommon. It aims to convey the initiation of actions, but more direct and conventional alternatives like "starts them" or "initiates them" are generally preferred for clarity and grammatical correctness. It's essential to opt for stronger, more precise verbs, especially in formal writing, to ensure your message is effectively communicated. When writing, it is important to consider the audience and context of your writing. Although this is observed in news and media contexts, it's usage should be carefully considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starts them

Replaces "begins" with a more common and direct synonym, maintaining the original structure.

initiates them

Substitutes "begins" with a more formal and emphatic term.

commences them

Uses a more formal synonym for "begins", suitable for official contexts.

kicks them off

Employs an idiomatic expression for starting, adding a sense of enthusiasm.

launches them

Suggests a more significant and strategic start, like a project or campaign.

gets them going

Offers a more colloquial and dynamic way to express starting something.

sets them in motion

Focuses on the act of causing something to start moving or progressing.

fires them up

Implies starting something with energy and excitement.

gets them underway

Indicates that something is officially starting and progressing.

inaugurates them

Implies a formal or ceremonial beginning.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "begins them"?

Consider using alternatives like "starts them", "initiates them", or "commences them" for clearer and more grammatically accepted phrasing.

Is "begins them" grammatically correct?

While occasionally found in some contexts, "begins them" is generally considered grammatically awkward. Using more conventional phrasing will improve clarity and readability.

How can I use "starts them" in a sentence?

Instead of saying "He begins them", you could say "He starts them" to convey that he is initiating or commencing a particular action or process.

What's the difference between "begins them" and "starts them"?

"Starts them" is a more common and generally preferred alternative to "begins them" as it is more direct and less likely to be misinterpreted. "Starts them" is typically better in most contexts.