it begins when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it begins when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the starting point of an event or action in a narrative or explanation. Example: "The story unfolds in a small town, and it begins when the mysterious stranger arrives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As its title suggests, it begins when Delacroix was turning 50 and had only another 13 years to live.

The New York Times - Books

It begins when she is 8 yrs.

The New Yorker

It begins when she is 17.

The New York Times - Books

Or it begins when I meet him, sixteen years before.

The New Yorker

It begins when you walk a short way up the rotunda ramp.

The New York Times - Arts

It begins when our desire for love morphs into desire for a person.

Harvard Business Review

It begins when highway work crews attempt to fill the potholes.

The New York Times

It begins when a computerised blueprint for a painting arrives from Japan.

The Guardian - Arts

It begins when her picture appears on the big screen at the Olympic Stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

It begins when producers are unable to continue increasing their output to meet rising demand.

The New York Times

Chris Martin, managing director of Talking Talent, says that it begins when you leave.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it begins when", ensure the clause that follows provides a concrete and easily understood starting point.

Common error

Avoid using "it begins when" for events that are merely continuations of earlier processes; ensure that the 'when' truly marks the inception, not just a phase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it begins when" functions as a relative clause, introducing the starting point or initial condition of an event, action, or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to set the temporal context for a narrative or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it begins when" is a versatile phrase used to introduce the starting point of an event, action, or process. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. While alternatives like "it starts when" exist, "it begins when" maintains a neutral tone suitable for most writing scenarios. Remember to use this phrase to mark the true inception of a sequence, providing a clear temporal reference for your audience. As illustrated in the provided examples, the phrase is exceptionally versatile across news, media, science, and general writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it starts when

Replaces "begins" with "starts", offering a more casual tone.

it commences when

Substitutes "begins" with "commences", resulting in a more formal tone.

it initiates when

Replaces "begins" with "initiates", suggesting a more active start.

it originates when

Substitutes "begins" with "originates", highlighting the point of origin or creation.

it arises when

Replaces "begins" with "arises", implying a more spontaneous or emergent start.

it unfolds when

Substitutes "begins" with "unfolds", suggesting a gradual reveal or development.

the beginning is when

Reorders the sentence structure to emphasize "the beginning".

the onset is when

Uses "onset" instead of "beginning", implying a more sudden or impactful start.

the kick-off is when

Uses a more informal expression, "kick-off", suitable for casual contexts.

the genesis is when

Replaces "begins" with "genesis", connoting the origin or creation of something significant.

FAQs

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

Use "it begins when" to introduce the initial event or condition that triggers a series of subsequent events. For example, "The story unfolds in a small town, and "it begins when" the mysterious stranger arrives".

What are some alternatives to "it begins when"?

You can use alternatives like "it starts when", "it commences when", or "it initiates when", depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it begins when"?

Yes, "it begins when" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to introduce the starting point of an event or process.

What's the difference between "it begins when" and "it started when"?

"It begins when" refers to the present tense, describing a recurring or general starting point. "It started when" refers to the past tense, describing a specific event that initiated something in the past.