it begins around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it begins around" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate an approximate starting time or point for an event or action. Example: "The meeting is scheduled for next week, and it begins around 3 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

IT begins around 2 45 p.m. and continues until just after 4. As the M104 bus, which runs from Harlem down Broadway to 42nd Street, inches south through the Upper West Side, it is transformed from public transportation into a carnival of early childhood.

The New York Times

It begins around the 10th century BC.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It begins around sunset and finishes when it's dark.

The Guardian

It begins around noon, so it should be over before dark.

The New York Times - Sports

Drury is justly hailed as a great comic talent, but The End of Vandalism also contains one of the most heartbreaking prose passages in modern memory (it begins around page 250 of the new edition, should you wish to seek it out).

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It began around 1 p.m. on Saturday when Mr. McCluskey was making his way from a nearby art fair, where his wife was selling her work, to the Golden Pear Cafe.

The New York Times

It began around 4 45 p.m. as Stacy Spence, outfitted with a hiking pack, a bedroll and a climbing rope, tramped a meandering path through the courtyards of St. Mark's Church.

The New York Times - Arts

It began around 5 p.m. as editors and buyers were trekking to an inevitably tiny street in an inevitably far district for the Comme des Garçons show, where they were greeted by the Easter bunny.

The New York Times

It began around 1 30 p.m. near Cobb and by evening covered 10,000 acres.

Los Angeles Times

Spinning Year it began: Around 1986, developed by Johnny Goldberg.

The New York Times

Tells about the Second City's career back in Chicago - it began around 1955.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it begins around", ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and provides clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it begins around" when a more specific timeframe is known or easily obtainable. Providing a precise time or date enhances clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it begins around" functions as a clause starter, setting the stage for describing when an event or process is initiated. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and usable presence in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it begins around" is grammatically sound and serves the purpose of indicating an approximate starting time for an event or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While suitable for general communication, more formal contexts might benefit from using synonyms such as "commences" or "initiates" to enhance the level of formality. It's also important to define clearly what "it" refers to, to ensure clarity. The phrase is relatively common in News & Media sources, while less frequent in encyclopedias, formal documents and reference sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it starts approximately at

Replaces "begins" with "starts" and "around" with "approximately at", providing a more precise nuance.

it commences roughly at

Substitutes "begins" with the more formal "commences" and "around" with "roughly at".

it gets underway circa

Replaces "begins" with "gets underway" and "around" with "circa", indicating an approximate time in a more sophisticated way.

it initiates close to

Uses "initiates" as a synonym for "begins" and "close to" instead of "around", suggesting a near starting time.

it kicks off at about

Replaces "begins" with the informal "kicks off" and "around" with "at about".

it is scheduled to start near

Emphasizes the planned nature of the beginning, using "scheduled to start" and "near" for approximation.

it is due to begin in the vicinity of

Uses "due to begin" to highlight anticipation and "in the vicinity of" for a less precise approximation.

it is set to launch at the proximity of

Employs "set to launch" for a planned start and "at the proximity of" for an approximate location or time.

it will get going just before

Uses "will get going" for a future start and "just before" to indicate a time shortly before.

it is slated to initiate something like

Highlights a planned initiation using "is slated to initiate" and approximates with "something like".

FAQs

How can I use "it begins around" in a sentence?

The phrase "it begins around" is used to indicate an approximate starting time or period for something. For example, "The concert is scheduled for next week, and "it begins around" 8 PM".

What are some alternatives to "it begins around"?

You can use alternatives such as "it starts approximately at", "it commences roughly at", or "it gets underway circa", depending on the level of formality and precision you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "it begins around" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it begins around" is relatively neutral. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "it commences roughly at" or "it initiates close to".

When is it better to use a more precise time instead of "it begins around"?

If you have access to the exact starting time, it's best to use that for clarity and professionalism. Only use "it begins around" when the precise time is unknown or unimportant.