marking the beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

"marking the beginning" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that introduces or initiates a process or event. For example, "The opening ceremony was a momentous occasion, marking the beginning of a new era in our school's history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That bid quickly collapsed in scandal, marking the beginning of the end of Mr. Kerik's career.

The New York Times

Modern Furniture Classics Since 1945 (Thames & Hudson) followed, marking the beginning of the period's revival.

Independent

I'd be happier putting my money on it marking the beginning of a brilliant career.

Independent

The bid quickly collapsed in scandal, marking the beginning of the end of Mr. Kerik's career.

The New York Times

Carnival, marking the beginning of Lent in February or March, is a four-day party.

The Guardian - Travel

My alarm went off at 6am, marking the beginning of a strict routine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

1747 -- Ahmed Shah Durrani establishes a united emirate, marking the beginning of modern Afghan history.

The New York Times

More serious allegations then began to surface, marking the beginning of Mr. Kerik's downfall.

The New York Times

PSSC methods and materials spread widely, marking the beginning of a U.S. educational reform movement.

MIT Technology Review

On the eastern rim of the Delta are the loess bluffs, marking the beginning of the highlands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chinese scholars introduced Confucianism and the Chinese writing system into the country, thus marking the beginning of Japanese cultural growth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "marking the beginning", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being initiated. For example, "The agreement is marking the beginning of a new collaboration" is clearer than "The agreement is marking the beginning."

Common error

Avoid using "marking the beginning" without a clear subject. For example, instead of saying "The changes are marking the beginning", specify what the changes are initiating: "The changes are marking the beginning of a new strategy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "marking the beginning" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as part of a predicate, describing the initiation or commencement of an event or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "marking the beginning" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote the start of various events, processes, or eras. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a correct and usable phrase. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While it maintains a neutral register, it can be adapted for more formal or informal use by selecting appropriate synonyms such as "signaling the start" or "heralding the commencement". When using this phrase, ensure that the subject and context are clear to avoid vagueness. This phrase effectively communicates the commencement of new phases, developments, and significant moments across a wide range of subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

signaling the start

Focuses on the action of signaling rather than the act of marking. It emphasizes the indication of a start.

heralding the commencement

More formal and literary, highlighting the announcement or introduction of a beginning.

inaugurating the onset

Emphasizes a formal or official start, often used for significant events or periods.

denoting the initiation

Highlights the act of indicating or signifying the start of something, often in a more technical or abstract context.

representing the dawn

Uses a metaphorical image of dawn to convey the idea of a new beginning, adding a sense of hope or promise.

constituting the kickoff

Less formal, suggesting a lively or energetic beginning, similar to the start of a game or project.

starting the advent

Highlights the arrival or coming of something, framing the beginning as an anticipated event.

launching the genesis

Emphasizes the creation or origin of something, often used for foundational or groundbreaking events.

originating the inception

Focuses on the very initial point or start, often used in formal or legal contexts.

establishing the threshold

Suggests a point of entry or a beginning that leads to further development or progress.

FAQs

How can I use "marking the beginning" in a sentence?

You can use "marking the beginning" to indicate the start of an event, era, or process. For instance, "The treaty is marking the beginning of a new era of peace", or "The conference is marking the beginning of a series of important discussions".

What are some alternatives to "marking the beginning"?

You can use alternatives like "signaling the start", "heralding the commencement", or "inaugurating the onset depending" on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "marking the beginning" formal or informal?

"Marking the beginning" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "denoting the initiation" might be preferred in highly formal settings.

What's the difference between "marking the beginning" and "signaling the beginning"?

While both phrases indicate a start, "marking the beginning" emphasizes the act of defining or recognizing the start, while "signaling the start" focuses on the act of indicating or giving a sign that something is starting.