so began

USAGE SUMMARY

'so began' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something started at a particular point in time. For example, "And so began the long journey home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So began the feud.

The New York Times

So began an enduring friendship.

The New York Times - Sports

Really?" So began another missive.

The New York Times

And so began the wait.

Independent

So began the Potter wars.

The Economist

So began his new life.

The New York Times

So began my refresher course.

The New York Times

So began Project Spaceguard.

The New York Times

So began Lesson One.

The New York Times

So began Quins' deterioration.

The Guardian - Sport

So began the case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so began" to create a narrative flow, signaling the start of a significant event or period. It adds a touch of formality and can be effective in storytelling.

Common error

Avoid using "so began" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it started" or "that's when it began" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so began" functions as an introductory phrase that signifies the commencement of an event, process, or state. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in narrative and descriptive contexts. It sets the stage for what follows.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so began" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the commencement of an event or period. According to Ludwig, it is mostly found in journalistic and literary writing. While its formality makes it unsuitable for casual conversations, it is valuable for introducing narrative sequences. Remember to use it consciously and prevent overusing in informal contexts. Ludwig provides diverse examples showcasing its utility in setting the stage for significant developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thus commenced

Replaces "so" with "thus" and "began" with "commenced", maintaining a formal tone but altering the specific wording.

and thus it started

Adds "and" and rephrases to emphasize the beginning in a slightly more narrative style.

in this way it started

Uses "in this way" to indicate the manner of commencement, providing a more descriptive alternative.

that marked the start of

Focuses on marking a specific event as the beginning of something, changing the structure significantly.

this was the dawn of

Employs a metaphorical "dawn" to signify the beginning, adding a layer of figurative language.

the genesis of

Uses "genesis" to denote the origin or beginning, offering a more concise and formal option.

from that moment onward

Shifts the focus to the continuation from a specific starting point, altering the emphasis.

it all started when

Introduces a specific condition or event that triggered the beginning, providing more context.

the origin of

Focuses directly on the origin of something, providing a more direct and concise alternative.

the kickoff to

Uses "kickoff" to indicate the beginning, implying a more energetic or active start.

FAQs

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

You can use "so began" to introduce the start of a story, event, or process. For example, "And "so began the long journey"", or "So began the negotiations".

What phrases are similar to "so began"?

Alternatives to "so began" include phrases like "thus commenced", "in this way it started", or "that marked the start of depending on the context".

Is "so began" formal or informal?

"So began" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, it may sound stilted. Simpler alternatives are often more appropriate.

Can I use "so began" at the beginning of a paragraph?

Yes, using "so began" at the beginning of a paragraph can be an effective way to signal a new phase or development in your writing. For instance, "So began the new era, marked by significant technological advancements".