originally began

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "originally began" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the initial starting point or inception of an event, idea, or project. Example: "The project originally began in 2010, when a small group of researchers came together to explore new technologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Creators Greg Johnson and Mark Voorsanger originally began designing a game built on the concepts of the original, but changed to a more generic type of game due to a lack of support for their vision on the part of Sega.

Wikipedia

Twice a year, TechStars, which originally began in Boulder, Colo., invites start-ups to apply for the company's program.

The New York Times

Yet aptly enough "Crash Helmet Brigade" ends the show where Ms. Oberfelder originally began as an artist.

The New York Times - Arts

His novel originally began, "People said Henry Porter was a Negro," and the version published in France still does.

The New Yorker

When scientists originally began editing DNA with CRISPR, they had to inject both the Cas9 enzyme and the probe required to guide it.

The New Yorker

Josh Reich, Simple's chief executive, explained that the photo feature originally began as a way to add receipts to transactions, making it easier to track business expenses.

The New York Times

Although the LRA originally began its atrocities in Uganda, it has since moved into neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic and South Sudan.

The New York Times

Let's not forget that Fifty Shades of Grey originally began life as fan fiction using characters from Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series.

The Guardian - Books

They moved there in October 1998 from a cart in the Westfield Shopping Mall South Shorein Bay Shore where Ms. Schwing originally began her business with a $400 investment.

The New York Times

She weighs in on the controversy about the New York Times obituary of Yvonne Brill, the rocket scientist, which originally began by mentioning that Brill made "a mean beef stroganoff".

The New York Times

Daniel originally began calling himself Danielson, he said, "to show that I was one of millions of sons and daughters of God.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "originally began" to clearly indicate the initial phase or starting point of a project, idea, or process, especially when discussing how it has evolved over time.

Common error

Avoid using "originally began" when you intend to describe the present condition or ongoing activities. Instead, use it to emphasize the distinction between the past and present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "originally began" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement or starting point of an action, event, or process. It highlights the initial state or phase of something, often contrasting it with its subsequent development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "originally began" is a versatile verb phrase used to denote the initial starting point of something. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and frequently used. Its purpose is to provide historical context and trace the evolution of projects, ideas, or processes. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it's commonly found in news, Wiki and science articles, and is suitable for neutral register. Remember to use it to contrast a past starting point with the current state and consider alternatives like "initially started" or "originated as" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially started

Focuses on the start, similar to "originally began" but with a slightly different emphasis.

first commenced

More formal and emphasizes the act of beginning.

originated as

Highlights the initial form or state of something.

was initially created

Highlights the creation aspect of the beginning.

was first established

Emphasizes the formal establishment of something.

was founded initially

Similar to "was first established" but focuses on the founding.

emerged initially

Suggests a more gradual beginning or origin.

dates back to

Indicates the historical origin or starting point.

has its roots in

Emphasizes the origin and foundation of something.

took root in

Implies a more natural and organic beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "originally began" in a sentence?

You can use "originally began" to describe the starting point of something. For example: "The project "originally began" as a small experiment."

What are some alternatives to "originally began"?

You can use alternatives like "initially started", "first commenced", or "originated as", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "originally began" and "initially started"?

While both phrases are similar, "originally began" emphasizes the initial phase or intention, whereas "initially started" simply denotes the act of starting.

Can I use "originally began" to describe something that is still ongoing?

It's best to use "originally began" to refer to the past starting point. If something is still ongoing, describe it in the present tense and mention the initial start separately if needed.