make a beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a beginning" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to encourage someone to start doing something or to begin a task. Example sentence: "Let's make a beginning and begin working on the project right away!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

In my work on ethics and evolution, I have tried to make a beginning on this venture.

The New York Times

I am now, from thinking, and talking a little more upon this subject, resolved to make a beginning".

The New York Times - Arts

I am now, from thinking, and talking a little more upon this subject … resolv'd to make a beginning".

The Guardian - Opinion

As Eliot puts it: "What we call the beginning is often the end/And to make an end is to make a beginning./The end is where we start from".

The Guardian

— Tanya Abrams As we sifted through the seemingly endless supply of memorable quotations about how the new year brings new beginnings, we stumbled upon one that nicely sums up how students feel about the college admissions process in January of their senior year: "And to make an end is to make a beginning".

The New York Times

And to make an end is to make a beginning.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"So they were really trying to make a" Bob Vila began.

The New York Times

Ranbaxy has made a beginning by building a franchisee network, but Dr. Reddy's lags behind.

The New York Times

This article makes a beginning with the exploration of this topic by studying the Urumqi city in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Transport Policy

A Czech scholar, just before the war, was supposed to having made a beginning, but since the Germans invaded his country nobody knows what has happened to him.

The New Yorker

When Root was a young man travelling in Italy, he met another young man a sculptor, who was having a hard time making a beginning.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a beginning" when you want to gently encourage someone to start something, especially if they seem hesitant or unsure. It conveys a sense of possibility and forward momentum.

Common error

While "make a beginning" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Opt for more direct synonyms like "begin" or "commence" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a beginning" functions as a verbal phrase encouraging the start of an action or process. Ludwig confirms this with its examples. It is often used to suggest initiating something, especially when there might be hesitation or uncertainty.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a beginning" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that encourages the start of an action. As Ludwig's examples indicate, it appears most frequently in news and media, with some presence in scientific and wiki contexts. While not the most formal option, it serves as a gentle and motivating way to suggest initiating a new task or endeavor. Alternatives like "begin" or "get started" may be more appropriate in certain contexts, but "make a beginning" offers a unique tone of encouragement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin

This is a simpler, more direct synonym emphasizing the act of starting.

get started

This alternative is more concise and focuses on the immediate action of starting.

initiate

This word implies a more active and leading role in starting something.

take the first step

This highlights the initial action in a process.

commence

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a deliberate start.

launch

This term is often used when initiating a new product, project or service.

embark on

This suggests starting a journey or a significant undertaking.

set in motion

This phrase emphasizes the act of causing something to start moving or progressing.

start the ball rolling

This idiom means to initiate an activity or process, often with the implication of subsequent actions following.

kick off

This idiom is more informal, suggesting an energetic start.

FAQs

How can I use "make a beginning" in a sentence?

You can use "make a beginning" to encourage someone to start a task, as in "Let's "make a beginning" and tackle this project together".

What are some alternatives to "make a beginning"?

Alternatives include "begin", "get started", or "initiate", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "make a beginning" or simply "begin"?

"Begin" is more direct and often preferred in formal contexts. "Make a beginning" carries a slightly gentler, more encouraging tone.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "make a beginning"?

It's appropriate when you want to suggest starting something new or resuming something after a pause, with an emphasis on taking the first step.