can begin

USAGE SUMMARY

"can begin" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing the potential for beginning a task or activity. For example: "Now that I have my materials, I can begin my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Then reconciliation can begin".

Independent

We can begin to close.

The New York Times

I hope that can begin.

The New York Times

Now exports can begin.

The New York Times - Food

The story can begin.

The New Yorker

Remediation can begin early.

The New York Times

before they can begin.

The New Yorker

"Now we can begin".

The Guardian - Film

"Now the party can begin".

The New York Times

The fightback can begin here".

The Guardian

Accountability can begin (see Goodell).

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can begin" to clearly and concisely express the possibility or ability to start an action or process. For example, "Once the data is collected, the analysis can begin."

Common error

Avoid using "can begin" excessively in formal documents. Alternatives like "may commence" or "is permitted to begin" often sound more professional and suitable for such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can begin" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing the possibility, permission, or ability for an action to commence. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is widely applicable across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can begin" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express the possibility, permission, or ability to start an action or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media. While suitable for most contexts, more formal alternatives may be preferable in professional settings. Examples from Ludwig highlight its application in diverse situations, emphasizing its role in signaling the potential for commencement. The frequency analysis shows that it is most commonly found in "News & Media" and "Science" sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may commence

Replaces "can" with "may", softening the level of certainty and making it sound slightly more formal.

is able to start

Replaces "begin" with "start" and uses "is able to" instead of "can", emphasizing ability or capability.

could initiate

Uses "could" instead of "can", indicating a possibility, and replaces "begin" with "initiate", adding a formal tone.

might get underway

Replaces "begin" with "get underway", making it less formal and suggesting the start of a process or activity.

is permitted to begin

Emphasizes permission or authorization to start, adding a layer of formality.

has the capacity to begin

Highlights the ability or potential to start something, making it more about capability.

is set to commence

Suggests a scheduled or planned start, adding a sense of anticipation.

will be able to begin

Indicates a future capability to start, emphasizing a condition to be met before starting.

is poised to start

Suggests readiness and anticipation for the start of something.

stands ready to begin

Implies a state of preparedness and willingness to start immediately.

FAQs

How can I use "can begin" in a sentence?

The phrase "can begin" indicates the possibility or ability to start an activity. For instance, "After the meeting, the project "can begin"."

What phrases are similar to "can begin"?

Alternatives include phrases like "may commence", "is able to start", or "could initiate", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between "can begin" and "will begin"?

"Can begin" suggests a possibility or permission, while "will begin" implies a definite future action. For example, "Work "can begin"" means it's permissible to start, but "work will begin" means it's scheduled to start.

When is it appropriate to use "can begin" in writing?

Use "can begin" when you want to express that something is now possible or allowed to start. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives exist for professional writing.