had really begun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had really begun" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action or process started in the past and emphasizes the significance or intensity of that beginning. Example: "By the time the sun set, the party had really begun to take off, with music and laughter filling the air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Apartheid had really begun to bite in the 60s.

The Guardian - Music

This year, even before autumn had really begun, swathes of southern England were already under water.

The Economist

Gasping for air, their lives ended before they had really begun".

The Guardian

As the two women hugged and kissed, they realised their friendship had really begun long ago, in silence.

The Guardian

I was about to fly home, but only now did it feel like my trip had really begun.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His lifelong ambition was over before it had really begun, and he feared he would have to sell his house.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"And our allies have really begun to respond".

The New York Times

Previously languishing, it has really begun to rise up the rankings.

The Guardian

But for some reason it is only very recently that people have really begun to care.

The Guardian

"That has really begun to change, especially over the last 10 years or so.

The New York Times - Arts

Rangers' Champions League campaign is over before it has really begun.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, follow "had really begun" with a descriptive clause explaining the extent or nature of the beginning.

Common error

While "really" intensifies the verb, avoid using it excessively. Overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing. Ensure that adding "really" significantly enhances the meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had really begun" functions as a verb phrase in the past perfect tense. It signifies that an action or state not only started but also progressed to a noticeable or significant degree before a specific point in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had really begun" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to convey that an action or state has not only started but also progressed significantly. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and adaptability across different contexts. It is especially prevalent in News & Media, Academia and Formal & Business writings. When employing this phrase, consider alternatives like "had truly commenced" or "had actually started" for varied emphasis and formality. Overuse of intensifiers should be avoided to preserve writing clarity. By understanding its function and communicative purpose, writers can effectively use "had really begun" to add depth and emphasis to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had truly commenced

Replaces "really begun" with a more formal term for starting.

had actually started

Emphasizes the factual beginning of something.

had properly initiated

Suggests that the start was done correctly or formally.

had genuinely kicked off

An informal way of saying something had enthusiastically started.

had seriously gotten underway

Indicates a significant and active start.

had fully taken root

Suggests that something has started to establish itself firmly.

had substantially advanced

Highlights the significant progress made since the beginning.

had effectively launched

Focuses on the successful initiation of something.

had notably emerged

Indicates the distinct appearance or start of something.

had palpably materialized

Emphasizes the tangible or obvious start of something.

FAQs

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

Use "had really begun" to emphasize the significant commencement of an action or state in the past. For example, "By the time the main speaker arrived, the conference "had really begun" to take shape".

What are some alternatives to "had really begun"?

Alternatives include "had truly commenced", "had actually started", or "had genuinely kicked off", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

What does it mean when something "had really begun"?

It means that something did not just start, but it has significantly and noticeably started, showing clear signs of progress or intensity. It suggests a transition from a mere start to a more substantial phase.

Is there a difference between "had begun" and "had really begun"?

Yes, "had begun" simply indicates that something started. Adding "really" intensifies the beginning, suggesting it's more noticeable, significant, or impactful. For example, "the party "had begun"" versus "the party "had really begun" to liven up".