so begins

USAGE SUMMARY

"so begins" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a new narrative or the start of an event. For example: "So begins their adventure across the globe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

And so begins the countdown.

The Economist

And so begins the Decameron.

The New Yorker

So begins Frodo's quest.

Britannica

So begins "Gazebo".

The New Yorker

So begins "Viewfinder".

The New Yorker

So begins A Shoemaker's Story.

Princeton University

So begins the future predator.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so begins" to create a sense of anticipation or to mark a clear transition into a new phase or narrative. It is often effective at the start of a paragraph or section to draw the reader in.

Common error

Avoid using "so begins" in overly simple or mundane narratives. This phrase works best when introducing something significant or dramatic. Overuse can make your writing sound pretentious or overly theatrical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "so begins" functions as an introductory element, signaling the commencement of a narrative, process, or event. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use to set the stage and draw the reader into what is about to unfold.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "so begins" is a versatile phrase used to introduce the start of a narrative, event, or process, as corroborated by Ludwig. It carries a neutral to slightly formal tone, making it appropriate for various writing contexts. While highly effective for drawing readers in, it's crucial to use it judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic in simple narratives. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. The phrase is most frequently used in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thus commences

Formal synonym, emphasizing the start of something in a more structured or official way.

hence starts

Indicates that something starts as a consequence of what precedes it.

and with that, it starts

More conversational, highlighting the beginning after a setup or condition is met.

the start is marked by

Focuses on what specifically indicates the beginning of an event or process.

it all starts when

Emphasizes a specific point in time or event that triggers the start.

the initial phase involves

Highlights the first stage or step in a process or project.

from this point forward

Emphasizes a change in direction or a new beginning from a specific moment.

this marks the opening of

Formally announces the start or launch of something.

as a result, it gets underway

Highlights that something starts as a result of a prior action or event.

in this way, it originates

Focuses on the origin or source from which something begins.

FAQs

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

You can use "so begins" to introduce the start of a story, event, or a new phase. For example, "So begins their journey into the unknown", or "And "so begins the countdown"".

What are some alternatives to "so begins"?

Alternatives include phrases like "thus commences", "hence starts", or "and with that, it starts", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "so begins" formal or informal?

"So begins" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for various contexts, from news articles to academic writing, but should be used sparingly in very informal settings. As Ludwig AI shows, there are examples in varied contexts.

Can "so begins" be used at the end of a sentence?

No, "so begins" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to introduce what follows. Using it at the end would be grammatically incorrect and would not convey the intended meaning. You cannot rephrase "So begins the journey" into "The journey so begins".