not begin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not begin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has not started or will not start at a particular time or under certain conditions. Example: "We will not begin the meeting until everyone has arrived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It does not begin auspiciously.

The New York Times - Arts

It did not begin well.

Independent

Do not begin reading yet!

Columbia University

It does not begin today.

The New York Times - Arts

Things did not begin auspiciously.

The New York Times - Arts

Exports also may not begin until 2019.

The New York Times

But they did not begin making arrests.

The New Yorker

"The mission does not begin well.

Independent

Sunday did not begin well for Federer.

The New Yorker

The tournament itself does not begin Sunday.

The New York Times

The tournament itself does not begin today.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add formality or emphasis, consider using "not commence" or "not initiate", particularly in professional or academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "not begin" or more formal alternatives like "not commence" in very casual conversations; "not start" is generally more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not begin" primarily functions as a negative verb phrase. It is used to negate the action of starting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show its use in various contexts to indicate that something has not commenced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

18%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not begin" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something has not started. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "not begin" is acceptable in most situations, consider using more formal alternatives like "not commence" in academic or professional writing. In everyday conversation, "not start" may be more appropriate. Being mindful of the register and context will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not start

A more common and direct synonym, suitable for most contexts.

never begin

Emphasizes the certainty that something will not start.

not commence

A more formal alternative, often used in professional or academic settings.

not initiate

Similar to "not commence" but emphasizes the action of taking the first step.

fail to start

Highlights the failure or inability to begin.

does not get underway

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is not starting or progressing.

not be started

Passive construction indicating that something will not be initiated by someone.

not get going

An informal way to say something is not starting or becoming active.

not kick off

An informal and idiomatic way of saying something is not beginning, often used in sports or events.

not arise

Focuses on something not originating or coming into existence.

FAQs

What does "not begin" mean?

The phrase "not begin" means that something is not starting or commencing. It is used to indicate the absence of initiation or the failure to start an activity, process, or event.

When is it appropriate to use "not begin"?

The phrase "not begin" is appropriate in various contexts, from formal writing to casual conversation. However, more formal alternatives like "not commence" might be better suited for academic or professional settings.

What are some alternatives to "not begin"?

Alternatives to "not begin" include "not start", "not initiate", "fail to start", and "never begin". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "not begin" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not begin" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard structure of using "not" to negate the verb "begin". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.