begun by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'begun by' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate the person or thing that initiated some action. For example, "The project was begun by Mr. Smith."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He had begun by saying "Selamat malam".

The New York Times

Mr. O'Hare has begun by promising excitement.

The New York Times - Arts

A multistate inquiry was begun by state attorneys general.

The New York Times - Tech

A lucky presidency may complete negotiations begun by others.

The Economist

The Ayyūbids completed several architectural works begun by the Zangids.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Gaviria government continued the economic opening begun by Barco.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Maddux and Lopez's divergence had already begun by then.

The New York Times - Sports

The modern marine-insurance was begun by Lloyd's of course.

The New Yorker

Investigations were begun by the Port Authority and Bombardier.

The New York Times

He expects work to have formally begun by April.

The Guardian

It was begun by his older brother, R. Leslie Kelley.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "begun by", ensure the subject performing the action is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "The project was begun", specify "The project was begun by the research team."

Common error

Avoid using "begun by" when an active voice construction is more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The process was begun by the engineer", the active voice "The engineer began the process" may be preferable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begun by" functions as a passive voice marker, indicating the agent that initiated an action. According to Ludwig AI, it's commonly used to show who or what started something, as illustrated in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "begun by" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate the initiator of an action or process. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedias, indicating its relevance in both general and formal writing. When using "begun by", it is important to consider whether the passive voice is the most effective choice for clarity. Alternatives such as "initiated by" or "started by" may offer subtle variations in tone or emphasis. This phrase serves primarily to attribute the commencement of something to a particular entity, ensuring proper context and credit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initiated by

Focuses on the act of starting something formally or officially.

started by

A more informal and direct way of saying who or what began something.

commenced by

A more formal synonym for 'started by', suggesting a deliberate beginning.

originated by

Highlights the source or initial creation of something.

established by

Emphasizes the setting up or founding of something.

created by

Focuses on the act of bringing something into existence.

developed by

Suggests a gradual process of growth or advancement from an initial state.

pioneered by

Highlights the innovative or groundbreaking aspect of the beginning.

instigated by

Implies that the beginning involved some form of incitement or persuasion.

introduced by

Focuses on the act of bringing something new into a particular context or setting.

FAQs

How can I use "begun by" in a sentence?

The phrase "begun by" is used to indicate who or what initiated an action. For example, "The investigation was "begun by" the police department."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "begun by"?

Some alternatives to "begun by" include "initiated by", "started by", or "commenced by". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "begun by"?

While "begun by" uses passive voice, consider whether active voice might be more direct and clear. For instance, instead of "The research was begun by Dr. Smith", you could say "Dr. Smith began the research".

What's the difference between "begun by" and "started by"?

While both phrases are similar, "begun by" tends to be slightly more formal than "started by". The choice depends on the context and your desired tone.