he began working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he began working" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the start of someone's work or activity, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "After months of preparation, he began working on the project that would change his career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He began working on an alternative.

The New York Times

He began working twelve-hour days.

The New Yorker

He began working at parties.

The New York Times

And he began working aggressively and quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

He began working for Coke in 1978.

The New York Times

He began working at a Burger King.

The New Yorker

He began working in the coal mines as a teenager.

The New York Times - Arts

In 2001, he began working with the designer Zaldy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He began working as a standup while still at school.

The Guardian

He began working another job and the abuse stopped.

Huffington Post

About 12 years ago, he began working on a manuscript.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he began working" to clearly indicate the starting point of someone's employment or a specific task. This phrase is straightforward and easily understood in various contexts.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses when describing when someone started working. For instance, do not say "He begin working" or "He was begin working". Stick to "he began working" or "he started working".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he began working" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. It typically acts as the main verb in a sentence, describing when someone started a specific job, task, or activity. Examples from Ludwig show diverse applications, from starting a new job to initiating a project.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he began working" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote the start of an activity, employment, or project. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. While alternatives like "he started working" exist, "he began working" offers a slightly more formal tone. Remember to use correct verb tenses and consider the context to ensure clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he started work

Replaces "began working" with "started work", a simpler and more direct alternative.

he commenced working

Substitutes "began" with "commenced", offering a more formal tone.

he initiated his work

Uses "initiated" instead of "began", emphasizing the start of a project or task.

he took up employment

Indicates that he started a job or position.

he launched into his duties

Implies an energetic start to responsibilities or tasks.

he set about his task

Focuses on the commencement of a specific task or activity.

he got down to business

Indicates a serious and focused start to work.

he entered the workforce

Highlights his entry into the labor market or a particular profession.

his career took off

Suggests the start of a successful professional journey.

he embarked on his profession

Emphasizes the beginning of a chosen career path.

FAQs

What is the difference between "he began working" and "he started working"?

The phrases "he began working" and "he started working" are largely interchangeable and have the same meaning. "Began" is slightly more formal than "started".

What are some alternatives to "he began working"?

Some alternatives to "he began working" include "he started work", "he commenced working", or "he took up employment", depending on the desired level of formality and context.

How can I use "he began working" in a sentence?

You can use "he began working" to describe the start of a job, task, or project. For example, "After graduating, he began working as a software engineer" or "He began working on the project immediately".

Is "he began to work" the same as "he began working"?

Yes, "he began to work" and "he began working" are similar in meaning. However, "he began working" often implies a continuous or ongoing effort, while "he began to work" can refer to a singular instance of starting work.