begun working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begun working" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has started a task or job, often in a context where the action is ongoing or has recently started. Example: "I have begun working on the new project and will keep you updated on my progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He had begun working 18-hour days.

The New York Times - Style

When, and why, had Adrian begun working for Belgrade?

The New Yorker

Tamela had begun working a night shift at McDonald's.

The New York Times - Sports

Another, Amy Wagers, had begun working at Harvard.

The Guardian

… Josh Thole (concussion) has begun working on baseball activities but has not caught a game yet.

The New York Times

Ekman had begun working to automate facs, building systems designed to locate discrete action units.

The New Yorker

Railroad seems to have begun working as an adjective in the 20th century.

The New York Times

He has also begun working on his newest automotive modification, using a 1974 Pontiac sedan.

The New York Times

The ORR confirmed it has begun working with police to investigate the crash.

Independent

Schoenberg had just begun working on his Piano Suite, Op. 25, the first 12-tone piece.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But Khattala insists he had abandoned the militia and begun working as a construction contractor.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone you want to convey. While grammatically correct, "begun working" can sound slightly more formal than "started working".

Common error

Avoid using "begun working" when the task is fully completed. Instead, use phrases like "completed the work" or "finished working" to indicate the work is done.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begun working" functions as a verb phrase, typically part of a present perfect or past perfect construction. It indicates the start of an action (working) at some point in the past, with relevance to the present, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "begun working" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that indicates the commencement of work or activity. According to Ludwig, it is deemed correct for usage. While it can be used in various contexts, it leans toward a neutral or slightly formal tone and is especially common in news media and professional settings. For more informal scenarios, consider using "started working". Remember to avoid using "begun working" when the task is completed, and instead opt for phrases like "completed the work". Overall, "begun working" is a reliable way to convey the start of a task with ongoing relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started working

This is a direct synonym, simply replacing "begun" with "started" for a slightly more informal tone.

commenced working

Replaces "begun" with "commenced", increasing the formality of the phrase.

initiated work

Shifts the focus slightly from the act of "working" to the "work" itself, emphasizing the beginning of the task.

undertook work

Suggests a more formal and possibly significant undertaking of work.

started employment

Focuses on starting a job or period of employment, rather than a specific task.

embarked on a job

Implies a significant undertaking or new career path.

assumed duties

Highlights the formal acceptance and start of job responsibilities.

taken up a post

Similar to "assumed duties", but emphasizes the act of accepting a specific position.

entered employment

This is a more formal way of saying someone started a new job.

launched into work

Suggests starting work with enthusiasm and energy.

FAQs

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

Both phrases are generally interchangeable, but "begun working" can sound slightly more formal or literary than "started working", which is more commonly used in everyday conversation.

Is "begun working" grammatically correct?

Yes, "begun working" is grammatically correct. It uses the past participle of "begin" correctly with an auxiliary verb (e.g., "has begun working", "had begun working").

What can I say instead of "begun working" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "commenced working" or initiated work.

How to use "begun working" in a sentence?

You can use "begun working" in various tenses, such as "She has begun working on the project", or "They had begun working on the report before the deadline".