it begins running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it begins running" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the start of a process, action, or event, often in a technical or narrative context. Example: "Once the system is initialized, it begins running the diagnostic checks automatically."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It begins running Wednesday in Pennsylvania on both broadcast and cable channels and will run through early next week.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It begins: "Run for the rush.

The New York Times - Sports

Hemanshu Nigam MySpace's chief security officer, said in an interview that the site had already taken down the profiles of thousands of sex offenders since the beginning of May when it began running its own database check.

The New York Times - Tech

Instagram today announced that it began running its first 60-second video ads, starting with T-Mobile and Warner Brothers.

TechCrunch

But Lerer today said that "the best concept" of how that has been done so far has been its integration with Instagram, where last year it began running very short clips summarizing key points of a news story.

TechCrunch

It would move its exercise schedule a little each day until it began running within five minutes of London darkness.

The Economist

Cordis defended the ad in a written statement, saying its content and message was reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration before it began running last Thanksgiving Day, starting with a National Football League game broadcast.

The New York Times

Almost immediately, it began running into difficulties.

The New Yorker

It began running Wednesday and is appearing statewide in Florida.

The New York Times

It began running Friday on television stations in New York and Philadelphia.

The New York Times

It began running yesterday on television stations in Philadelphia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it begins running" to describe the initiation of a continuous process, such as a program, system, or campaign, where the emphasis is on the ongoing nature of the activity after the start.

Common error

Avoid using "it begins running" when describing events with a clear endpoint. Opt for "it starts" or "it commences" if the focus is solely on the beginning rather than the continuation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it begins running" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a continuous activity or process. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in describing the start of an ongoing action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Tech

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it begins running" is a grammatically correct phrase that describes the start of a continuous process or action. Ludwig AI indicates that it is more frequently found in news and media, tech, and science contexts and that "it begins running" is appropriate for neutral contexts, though examples are rare. Alternatives include "it starts operating" or "it commences execution". When using this phrase, be sure to describe an ongoing process after the point of initiation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it activates

A simple replacement that could apply to any element or subject.

it starts operating

Replaces "running" with a more general term, suitable for describing machine or system activation.

it commences execution

A more formal and technical substitute, often used in computer science or engineering contexts.

it initiates the process

Emphasizes the start of a sequence of actions, suitable for formal or technical contexts.

it is launched

Highlights the initiation of something new, like a product or campaign.

it gets underway

More informal; implies a project or activity is starting.

it becomes functional

Emphasizes functionality and readiness after start.

it kicks off

Highly informal; often used in sports or project management.

it comes online

Suggests a system or device becoming active and available.

it powers up

Focuses on the activation of a device or machine.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it begins running" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "it commences execution" or "it initiates the process" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it begins running" and "it starts running"?

While similar, "it begins running" often implies a continuous or ongoing action after the start, whereas "it starts running" simply indicates the point of initiation. The choice depends on whether you wish to emphasize the continuing nature of the process.

When is it appropriate to use "it begins running" in technical writing?

Use "it begins running" in technical writing to describe the initiation of a process or system that operates continuously, such as a program that performs ongoing tasks or a service that remains active after its startup.

What are some less formal ways to say "it begins running"?

Less formal alternatives include "it gets underway" or "it kicks off", although these may be more appropriate for describing projects or events rather than technical processes. You can also use "it starts" in a more general way.