i must begin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I must begin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing the necessity or intention to start a task or activity. Example: "After much preparation, I must begin the presentation now to stay on schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I must begin with gratitude.

The New York Times

I must begin by declaring my interest.

The Guardian - Books

Usually at about this time of the evening I must begin making dinner.

The New Yorker

While on a trip in India he has a revelation: "I decided that I must begin to do my own work and that this work would be based on my own life".

The New York Times - Books

Even the maggot semiotically moonlights, being an invoker not only of disgust but of an unshakeable drive, including to the stunning heights of poetry (hence the opening of a 1685 collection: "The Maggot Bites, I must begin").

The Guardian - Books

It is a brilliantly managed scene, simultaneously expanding present space and deepening past time, and returning her to the book's true origin: "I must begin with a white-hot young Earth dropping into its place like a fly into an unseen four-dimensional cobweb".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The plot, if I must, begins with Rigby John Klusener hitchhiking to San Francisco in 1967 from rural Idaho, wearing flowers in his hair.

The Guardian - Books

I realized we must begin including the environmental costs – including environment-related health costs – in every financial transaction.

The Guardian

"I must soon begin the inaugural address," Garfield scolded himself in his diary on January 25 , 1881

The New Yorker

However, I believe that we must begin to bring some sanity into this discussion.

The New York Times

Rebuilding Britain can and must begin locally I have embarked on a neighbourhood-wide engagement programme.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I must begin" to signal the start of an important section or argument, providing a clear indication of the direction of your writing.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "I must begin" in less formal communications. This can make your writing sound stilted or overly formal. Instead, opt for more conversational alternatives like "I need to start" or simply start the sentence with the action itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I must begin" functions as an introductory phrase, typically used to signal the commencement of a speech, action, or argument. Ludwig shows examples where it prefaces expressions of gratitude, declarations of interest, and the commencement of daily tasks. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical validity of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

17%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I must begin" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the commencement of an action or discourse. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and versatile, featuring in various contexts from news articles to formal reports. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals it's frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific domains. For less formal contexts, alternatives like "I need to start" may be more appropriate. Keep in mind that overuse, especially in informal settings, can sound stilted, so vary your sentence structure where possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I need to start

Indicates a similar need to commence, but uses a more direct and less formal tone.

I have to start

Similar to "I need to start", this expresses obligation to begin, but remains less formal than the original.

I should start

Suggests a recommendation or advice to begin, rather than a strict necessity.

It's time for me to start

Emphasizes the opportune moment to begin, adding a temporal element.

I am required to begin

Highlights the obligatory nature of starting, with a slightly more formal tone.

I am going to start

Expresses intention to begin, focusing on the future action.

I intend to begin

Similar to "I am going to start", but more formal and deliberate.

Let me start

Suggests taking the initiative to begin, often used to introduce a topic or action.

I will commence

A more formal synonym indicating the start of something.

I am compelled to start

Highlights that external forces or strong internal feelings create the need to begin.

FAQs

How can I use "I must begin" in a sentence?

You can use "I must begin" to indicate the start of an action, argument, or process. For example, "I must begin by thanking everyone for attending" or "I must begin addressing the challenges we face".

What are some alternatives to "I must begin"?

Alternatives include "I need to start", "I have to start", or "Let me start" depending on the level of formality and context.

Is "I must begin" formal or informal?

"I must begin" leans towards the formal side. It's suitable for professional and academic settings. For informal situations, consider options like "I need to" or "I have to".

When is it appropriate to use "I must begin"?

Use "I must begin" when you want to emphasize the importance or necessity of starting something, especially in formal situations like presentations, reports, or official correspondence. It can create a sense of purpose and direction.