he has begun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he has begun" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to indicate that someone has started an action or task in the past and is continuing to do it in the present. Here is an example sentence: John has begun studying for his exams next week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He has begun to lose teeth.

The New Yorker

He has begun to do so.

The Economist

Recently, he has begun writing screenplays.

The New Yorker

But he has begun to settle in.

The New York Times

He has begun to read and write.

The New York Times

He has begun to act accordingly.

The New York Times

So he has begun to look abroad.

The New Yorker

He has begun reconstructing a few buildings.

The New York Times

He has begun looking for a buyer.

The New York Times

He has begun taking shots at Lukoil.

The New York Times - Magazine

He has begun to taunt Korean kids.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he has begun" to clearly indicate the start of an action or process that is still ongoing or has relevance to the present. It's particularly effective when you want to emphasize the continuous nature of the activity.

Common error

Avoid using the simple past tense (e.g., "he began") when the action continues to have relevance in the present. "He has begun" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the activity, whereas "he began" suggests the action is completed or no longer relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he has begun" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an action or process. It connects a subject with an action that started in the past and has relevance to the present. Ludwig confirms that this is a grammatically correct construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he has begun" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction to indicate that a male subject has started an action or process. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the ongoing nature or present relevance of the action. Avoid confusing it with the simple past tense, which may imply the action is completed. The phrase is flexible, authoritative and clear. With the help of Ludwig examples you can find real-world examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he started

This alternative emphasizes the commencement of an action, focusing on the initial moment.

he commenced

This is a more formal synonym for 'started', implying a deliberate beginning.

he initiated

Focuses on the act of setting something in motion or starting a process.

he undertook

Suggests that he took on a task or responsibility.

he embarked on

Implies starting a journey or a significant undertaking.

he set about

Indicates that he started working on something in a methodical way.

he got going on

A more informal way to say he started working on something.

he has gotten underway

This conveys the sense of a project or activity starting and progressing.

he moved forward with

Emphasizes the progression and advancement after the start.

he proceeded to

Indicates a step-by-step initiation of actions.

FAQs

How do I use "he has begun" in a sentence?

Use "he has begun" to indicate that someone started an action in the past and it is still relevant or continuing now. For example, "he has begun looking for a buyer" suggests the search is ongoing.

What are some alternatives to "he has begun"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "he started", "he commenced", or "he initiated".

Is "he began" the same as "he has begun"?

No, "he began" indicates that something started and may be completed, while "he has begun" implies that the action is ongoing or has current relevance. Use "he has begun" when the action continues to have an effect in the present.

What's the difference between "he has begun" and "he is beginning"?

"He has begun" indicates a completed action with ongoing relevance, whereas "he is beginning" emphasizes the process of starting at the present moment. For instance, "he has begun to change his mind" implies the change is underway, while "he is beginning to understand" focuses on the present process of understanding.