either began

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "either began" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing two or more options or actions that started at different times or in different ways. Example: "The project either began last year or was initiated this year, depending on the funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Then, suddenly, the man either began to lose his grip or tried to wrench free of the officers.

The New York Times

The orchestra, under Richard Armstrong, either began too loudly or had overestimated the power of the singers (not entirely the same thing).

The Guardian - Music

But the beginnings of the war remain disputed, with many NATO allies believing that the Georgian leadership either began the war or fell headfirst into a Russian trap, giving Moscow a pretext to invade.

The New York Times

Other airlines have said they either began avoiding the airspace above the troubled region several months ago, or have now joined Malaysia Airlines in diverting all aircraft away from it.

The Guardian

In other areas, new styles either began or reached their climactic development, such as the Mixteca Puebla style in painting, ceramics, and metallurgy, which evolved either in western Oaxaca or, more probably, at Cholula in Puebla.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All three were much larger and more important than Berar and Bidar, and all three either began with or soon came to accept the Shīʿite form of Islam (the religion of the Persian newcomers) as the official faith of their rulers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Just 422 new homes were either begun or acquired, down from 715 in the previous quarter.

The Guardian

Construction projects in the province worth C$12 billion ($12 billion) have either begun or been announced.

The Economist

At the end of the story, its main character either begins or ceases to dream.

The New York Times - Books

Administration officials said the proposal would apply to communications that either begin or end in the United States.

The New York Times

At least a half-dozen sponsors, including Fidelity Investments and the Vanguard Group, have either begun marketing retiree-oriented funds or have announced plans to do so.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "either began", ensure that the sentence clearly presents two or more distinct possibilities or options for what started.

Common error

Avoid using "either began" when describing a single, definitive action without alternatives. The phrase implies a choice or uncertainty about the starting point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "either began" functions as a connector indicating alternative initiation points. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English. It sets up a conditional or alternative scenario regarding when something started, presenting two or more possibilities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "either began" is a grammatically sound connector used to introduce alternative starting points or possibilities. While not overly common, it appears across various reputable sources, including news outlets, encyclopedias and scientific publications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s best employed when presenting two or more potential origins or causes and is suitable for neutral contexts. When writing, remember to consider the level of formality needed and adjust accordingly, choosing formal synonyms like "commenced" or more informal options as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either commenced

Replaces "began" with a more formal synonym, "commenced", while retaining the element of choice.

either initiated

Substitutes "began" with "initiated", implying a more deliberate or formal start.

either started

Uses "started" as a more common and slightly less formal synonym for "began".

either got underway

Replaces "began" with the idiomatic phrase "got underway", suggesting the start of a process or activity.

either was initiated

Shifts to passive voice, emphasizing the action rather than the actor, using "initiated".

either came into effect

Implies that something like law or rule became operative, replacing "began".

either took effect

Another option to implies that something became operative, replacing "began".

either sprang up

Use to indicate something that started suddenly and quickly.

either arose

Replaces "began" with "arose", suggesting the beginning of a situation or problem.

either unfolded

This option is use to express a start that reveals itself over time.

FAQs

How do I use "either began" in a sentence?

Use "either began" to introduce two or more possibilities of something starting. For instance, "The project "either began" in Q1 or will start in Q2 depending on budget approval."

What can I say instead of "either began"?

Alternatives include "either started", "either commenced", or "either initiated", depending on the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "either begin" instead of "either began"?

No, "either begin" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts. The correct form depends on the tense of the sentence. If you are referring to a past event, use ""either began"". Use "either begins" for present tense when referring to a singular subject.

What's the difference between "either began" and "both began"?

"Either began" implies a choice between two or more options that could have started, while "both began" indicates that two specific things started. The former expresses an alternative; the latter, a conjunction.