had begun like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had begun like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the initial stages or manner in which something started, often in a narrative context. Example: "The project had begun like any other, with enthusiasm and high hopes for success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Witnesses said the day had begun like any other day on a construction site, with workers in hard hats climbing to the floors they were working on.

The New York Times

Deadline day had begun like any other but in the afternoon the phone started ringing and by his own admission it ended up being one of the worst days of his life.

The Guardian - Sport

They had begun like a team in a hurry but their wayward finishing – one effort from Torres went out for a throw-in, reminiscent of a golfer slicing on to the wrong fairway – encouraged Basel to come back at them before half-time, culminating in Mohamed Salah opening the scoring.

The Guardian - Sport

The year of l963 had begun like any other.

Huffington Post

It had begun, like many tales of misadventure, in that most anarchic staging post for travel: the Tanzanian bus station.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The preface would have begun like this: "This book has been composed from the inside out.

The Guardian - Books

This season has begun like last: Herrera is out of the XI and trying to fight his way in.

The Guardian - Sport

Nonetheless, big traditional publishers have begun – like vigilant gold-mine overseers – to treat the DIY e-books sector as a practice ground for mass-market fiction.

Independent

It may well have begun like that.

Vice

This risk paid off, since my institution has begun, like many UK universities to value teaching more, and my department has been supportive of my move to a more Teaching-Focussed contract, whilst keeping a job contract that is now permanent rather than fixed-term.

F1000Research

Ultimately he felt that the 7/7 bomber who came from Leeds had begun life "like me", had had the same "sorts of feelings of not belonging".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had begun like" to draw comparisons between the start of a situation and something familiar, helping readers quickly understand the initial context or atmosphere. For instance, "The investigation had begun like any other routine inquiry, but soon took a dark turn."

Common error

Avoid using "had begun like" when a simpler verb such as "started" or "commenced" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful. Opt for clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had begun like" functions as a comparative connector, linking the initial state or action to another event or situation to draw parallels. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had begun like" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-registered comparative connector that’s used to relate an initial state to something recognizable, primarily found in news and media contexts. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. When using "had begun like", aim to create a quick understanding by drawing parallels but avoid overuse, favoring simpler verbs when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

started similarly to

Emphasizes the similarity in the initial phase of an event or process.

commenced in a similar fashion to

Formal alternative emphasizing the manner of commencement.

initiated as

Focuses on the initial action or event.

had its genesis in

Highlights the origin or beginning of something.

originated in a way similar to

Similar to "had its genesis in" but emphasizes the manner of origination.

took off like

Suggests a rapid or impressive start.

unfolded like

Describes a gradual or revealed progression.

developed in the same vein as

Focuses on the direction or style of development.

progressed as

Highlights the continuous forward movement or advancement.

evolved in a manner akin to

Formal alternative suggesting a gradual transformation.

FAQs

How can I use "had begun like" in a sentence?

Use "had begun like" to compare the initial state of something to something else familiar. For example, "The day "had begun like" any other, but ended in chaos."

What are some alternatives to "had begun like"?

Alternatives include "started similarly to", "commenced in a similar fashion to", or "initiated as", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "had begun like"?

Yes, "had begun like" is grammatically correct and used to describe the way something started by comparing it to something else.

What's the difference between "had begun like" and "started as"?

"Had begun like" implies a comparison to something else, whereas "started as" simply describes the initial form or function. For example, "The project "had begun like" a small experiment" compares it to another activity, while "The project started as a small experiment" just states its initial form.