it only begins

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it only begins" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is just starting or that there is much more to come after an initial event or situation. Example: "The first chapter of the book is intriguing, but it only begins to reveal the depth of the characters' struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

It only begins the inquiry.

The Washington Post

It only begins with it.

The New York Times

Well, it only begins to suggest the soddenness of the burden that is carried by Miss Page.

The New York Times

That is because it only begins to emit visible light — the thing astronomers have historically been good at detecting — some time after the explosion has begun.

The New York Times

The irony of the talking mannequin head is that it only begins to make sense when it has nothing relevant to say, when it embodies an emptiness of purpose and doesn't see a problem in that.

The New York Times

*** I'm not sure when I first thought of following Shakespeare's plays out into the numerous worlds they now inhabit; as with many journeys, it only begins to look like a route once you're already under way.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It only began experimenting with its first bricks and mortar food store in its hometown of Seattle in December last year.

The Guardian - Business

It opened sales for its ES8 vehicle last year but it only began shipping in June.

TechCrunch

It only began to grow after broadband became widespread.

The Economist

Since it only began last year, that's impossible.

The Guardian - Opinion

It only began when Reagan and the Saudis starting sending jihadis to Peshawar.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it only begins" to set expectations that there's more to come or that a situation is in its early stages. It can add emphasis when you want to highlight the initial nature of an event or process.

Common error

Avoid using "it only begins" to describe something that is already finished or fully developed. This phrase is meant to convey the idea of a starting point, not a conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it only begins" functions as an introductory statement, often used to set the stage for further developments or actions. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It highlights that the current situation is merely the start of something larger.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it only begins" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to indicate that something is in its initial phase. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, to suggest anticipation or to set expectations for future developments. While there are several semantically related phrases like "it is just the beginning" or "it is merely the start", "it only begins" provides a clear and concise way to convey the idea of a starting point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is just the beginning

Emphasizes the early stage of something, similar to the original phrase, but uses "just" for added emphasis.

it is merely the start

Replaces "only begins" with "merely the start", highlighting the initial nature of the situation.

it has just commenced

Uses "commenced" as a more formal synonym for "begins", indicating the starting point.

it is in its infancy

Uses a metaphor to indicate the early stage of development, implying potential for growth.

it is only the inception

Replaces "begins" with "inception", focusing on the very first stage or start of something.

it marks the beginning

Shifts the focus to the act of marking the start, rather than the start itself.

it signals the commencement

Uses "signals" and "commencement" for a more formal and emphatic tone about the start.

this is only the dawning

Employs "dawning" as a metaphorical start, implying the beginning of a new era or phase.

it is but a prelude

Uses "prelude" to suggest that what is currently happening is just an introduction to something larger.

the real work starts now

Focuses on the future effort required, implying the initial phase was minimal.

FAQs

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

Use "it only begins" to indicate that something is just starting or that there is much more to come after an initial event or situation. For example, "The negotiation is complex, and this agreement "it only begins" to address the core issues."

What can I say instead of "it only begins"?

You can use alternatives like "it is just the beginning", "it is merely the start", or "it has just commenced" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it only begins"?

Yes, "it only begins" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express that something is in its initial phase. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase follows standard grammar rules.

What is the difference between "it only begins" and "it just begins"?

While both phrases indicate a starting point, "it only begins" emphasizes that this is merely the start and more is expected. "It just begins" is a simpler statement of commencement without the implication of a larger scope.