it was beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was starting to happen or develop in the past. Example: "As the sun set, it was beginning to get colder outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We first covered Kano last November, as it was beginning its crowdfunding journey.

TechCrunch

As the sun cast its last, long shadows, it was beginning to look like the end for the federal army.

The New York Times

It was beginning to disintegrate, its walls furring and feathering.

The Guardian - Books

He has flattened the opposition just as it was beginning to raise its head again.

The Economist

On Monday, the council announced that it was beginning to relocate its operations.

The New York Times

Emboldened by federal legislation, it was beginning to flex its muscles.

The New York Times - Arts

And Wilhelm II's Germany, though it was beginning to brandish its own imperial sword, remained fretful about "encirclement".

The New Yorker

Its bandwidth and computer costs climbed, and it was beginning to pay for some content.

The New Yorker

It was beginning to decline.

The New York Times

It was beginning to get dark.

The New Yorker

It was beginning to sound like a rivalry.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by occasionally replacing "it was beginning" with synonyms like "it was starting" or "it was commencing" to avoid repetition and enhance readability.

Common error

Avoid using "it was beginning to being" as it's redundant. The correct form is "it was beginning to be" or "it was starting to be" to express the initiation of a state or condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was beginning" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement or initial phase of an action or state. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples showing its use in describing the start of various events and processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was beginning" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate the initial phase of an action or state. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, demonstrating its neutrality and broad applicability. Alternatives such as "it was starting" or "it was commencing" can provide variety in writing. Understanding the nuances of "it was beginning" ensures its effective use in conveying the timing and progression of events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was starting

Replaces "beginning" with its direct synonym, "starting", maintaining the same meaning.

it was commencing

Uses "commencing" as a more formal alternative to "beginning", suitable for official contexts.

it was initiating

Employs "initiating" to emphasize the act of starting something, adding a slightly more active connotation.

it was dawning

Indicates a gradual realization or understanding, shifting the focus from action to perception.

it was emerging

Suggests something is coming into view or existence, highlighting the development process.

it was unfolding

Implies a gradual revelation or progression, often used for events or stories.

it was developing

Focuses on the process of growth or evolution, emphasizing the change over time.

it was taking shape

Highlights the formation or organization of something, suitable for projects or plans.

it was getting underway

Indicates that something has started and is now in progress, adding a sense of momentum.

it was on the verge of

Suggests that something is about to start or happen, emphasizing the proximity to the beginning.

FAQs

What does "it was beginning" mean?

The phrase "it was beginning" indicates that something was in the process of starting or commencing. It signifies the initial phase of an event, action, or state.

How can I use "it was beginning" in a sentence?

You can use "it was beginning" to describe the start of something. For example, "it was beginning to rain" or "it was beginning to get dark".

What are some alternatives to "it was beginning"?

Alternatives to "it was beginning" include phrases like "it was starting", "it was commencing", or "it was initiating", depending on the specific context.

Is "it was beginning" interchangeable with "it began"?

While both indicate a start, "it was beginning" implies a process or a gradual start, whereas "it began" suggests a more definitive and immediate start. For example, "it was beginning to snow" suggests a gradual onset, while "it began to snow" implies a more abrupt start.