it began

USAGE SUMMARY

"it began" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate the start of an action or event, such as a story, journey, or process. For example: "It began with a tiny spark, and soon developed into a full-blown fire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then it began retreating.

The New York Times

"Hello," it began.

The New Yorker

It began against us.

The New Yorker

It began to rain.

The New Yorker

So it began.

The New Yorker

"That's how it began".

The New Yorker

It began: Jean-Luc.

The New Yorker

"Attention Members," it began.

The New Yorker

And so it began.

The New York Times

soon after it began.

The New Yorker

It began at Goodwood.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it began" to clearly and concisely mark the start of a narrative, process, or event. This phrase is versatile and suitable for various writing styles.

Common error

Avoid using "it began" excessively in passive constructions. Ensure that the subject performing the action is clear and that the sentence maintains an active voice for better clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it began" functions as an introductory phrase, setting the stage for a narrative or explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly indicates the starting point of an action or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it began" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to denote the commencement of an event, action, or process. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's appropriate for various writing styles and contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media sources but is also found in scientific and encyclopedic content. To ensure clarity, avoid overusing it in passive constructions and consider using synonyms like "it started" or "it commenced" for variety. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "it began" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it commenced

Replaces "began" with a more formal synonym, "commenced".

it started

Uses the synonym "started" for "began", offering a slightly more casual alternative.

it initiated

Substitutes "began" with "initiated", implying a more deliberate or formal start.

it originated

Replaces "began" with "originated", focusing on the point of origin or creation.

it arose

Uses "arose" instead of "began", suggesting that something came into existence or emerged.

it emerged

Similar to "arose", "emerged" indicates a gradual appearance or development.

it unfolded

Replaces "began" by using "unfolded", focusing on a gradual revelation or development.

it took shape

Indicates that something started to form or materialize.

its inception was

Uses a more formal structure to highlight the beginning or start.

the onset was

Focuses on the initial stage or start of something, typically an event or process.

FAQs

How can I use "it began" in a sentence?

"It began" is used to introduce the start of an event, process, or story. For example, "It began with a dream" or "It began to rain".

What are some alternatives to "it began"?

Alternatives include "it started", "it commenced", or "it originated". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "it was began" instead of "it began"?

No, "it was began" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "it began", which uses the past tense of the verb "begin".

What's the difference between "it began" and "it was beginning"?

"It began" indicates a completed action in the past, marking the start of something. "It was beginning" describes an action in progress in the past, suggesting something was in the process of starting.