it began during

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it began during" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the starting point of an event or situation that occurred within a specific time frame. Example: "The project was challenging, but it began during a period of great innovation in our company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It began during the YouTube/CNN extravaganza.

The New Yorker

It began during his time at Rice University in Texas.

The Economist

It began during final qualifying for the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola.

The Guardian - Sport

It began during the game on Sunday and ended on Tuesday.

The New York Times

It began during the preface, in which Cain prints an "Are You an Introvert?" checklist.

The Guardian - Books

It began during the reign of Sultan Mehmed II (1444 46, 1451 81) and was officially abolished in 1856.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But I wanted to have it begin during the festival so that it had that association.

The New York Times

If it begins during your dinner, the bass will rattle your table settings, end your conversations and resonate in your solar plexus.

The New York Times

It begins during the Harlem Renaissance, continues through the theater's glory years when it was owned and managed by members of the Schiffman family and extends to the present when the theater is run by a nonprofit foundation.

The New York Times - Arts

It begins during Independent Activities Period (IAP) in January with an intensive weeklong course taught by engineering and Sloan School faculty—with some help from alumni like Herschberg and other industry professionals.

MIT Technology Review

It begins during the initial screening process.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it began during", ensure the timeframe is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The economic crisis, it began during the late 2000s, had lasting impacts."

Common error

Avoid vague references when using "it began during". Instead of saying "It began during that time", specify the month, year, or event that marked the beginning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it began during" functions as an introductory clause establishing the temporal context of an event or process. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is grammatically correct. It pinpoints the commencement of a subject within a certain timeframe.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it began during" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable way to introduce the timing of an event. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of its usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and academic contexts, it effectively sets the temporal context, helping readers grasp the sequence and historical grounding of information. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify the timeframe clearly to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Consider more formal alternatives like "it commenced during" or "it originated during" for professional or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it started during

Replaces "began" with "started", offering a more informal synonym while keeping the same structure and meaning.

it commenced during

Substitutes "began" with "commenced", resulting in a more formal tone while keeping the meaning consistent.

it originated during

Replaces "began" with "originated", emphasizing the starting point or source of something during a period.

it initiated during

Substitutes "began" with "initiated", focusing on the action of starting or setting something in motion.

it arose during

Replaces "began" with "arose", suggesting that something emerged or came into existence during a particular time.

its inception was during

Changes the structure to emphasize the moment of origin, using "inception" to indicate the beginning.

it was initiated in

Restructures to use "was initiated" followed by a specific time period, focusing on the act of initiation.

its origins are in

Focuses on the origins of something, indicating the time period when it first appeared or developed.

it has its roots in

Emphasizes the historical connection and foundation of something within a specific period.

it took hold during

Indicates when something became established or gained influence.

FAQs

What's the difference between "it began during" and "it started during"?

While both phrases indicate the commencement of an event within a timeframe, "it started during" is generally considered more informal, whereas "it began during" is slightly more formal. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

How can I rephrase "it began during" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, you can substitute "began" with words like "commenced" or "originated". For example, "it commenced during" or "it originated during".

Is it always necessary to specify a time period after "it began during"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying a time period after "it began during" greatly enhances clarity. Without it, the statement can be vague. For example, saying "It began during the Renaissance" is more informative than just "It began during."

What are some common synonyms for "began" that I can use in place of "it began during"?

Common synonyms include "started", "commenced", "initiated", and "arose". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey. For example, using "it initiated during" emphasizes the act of setting something in motion.