the beginning was when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the beginning was when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a narrative or a story, indicating the starting point of an event or situation. Example: "The beginning was when the first settlers arrived on the shores, forever changing the landscape of the land."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The hardest part at the beginning was when someone asked if they could meet on Wednesdays, and I had to suggest a different day.

Harvard Business Review

The hardest part in the beginning was when she came home and was terribly emotionally unstable, which was so out of character for her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mari Matsutoya: The beginning was when someone from transmediale and I got excited discussing the possibility of bringing Miku onto the stage a year and a half ago.

Vice

If you trace it back to what you'd consider the "sperm and the egg" of the project, then the beginning was when two thoughts went to bed one night and mated.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Because at the beginning is when you're strongest".

The New York Times

You'll note that the 2006 timeframe when the DoJ believes the agreement began is when Schmidt first joined Apple's Board.

TechCrunch

However, where the conflict began is when the landscape began to be dominated by human [constructions] and it was removing the space for sanctity and reverence.

Vice

Just as important as when the administration of the $20 billion fund begins is when it will end.

Huffington Post

No, the true sign election season has begun is when the media begins scrutinizing politicians for their food choices.

The Guardian

The beginning of the revolution was when one man was no longer afraid of the police.

The New Yorker

The 1970s was when that began to change.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the beginning was when" to clearly mark the starting point of a narrative or process. Ensure that the subsequent clause provides specific context about that start.

Common error

Avoid using "the beginning was when" in contexts where the focus is on the outcome rather than the initiation of an event. Ensure the emphasis remains on the start itself, not what followed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the beginning was when" functions as a sentence connector, specifically introducing a clause that defines the starting point or origin of an event or situation. As Ludwig AI points out, it's used to set the stage for a narrative.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the beginning was when" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce the starting point of a narrative or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for general use, although primarily seen in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "it all started when" and "it originated when". When using this phrase, ensure the focus remains on the initiation, not the outcome. It is a relatively rare phrase, but when used correctly, it provides a clear temporal marker for the start of an event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it all started when

This alternative focuses on the start of a sequence of events.

it originated when

This alternative highlights the point of origin of something.

it commenced when

This alternative replaces "beginning" with "commenced", indicating a formal start.

the genesis occurred when

This alternative is more formal, using "genesis" to signify the origin.

the trigger was when

This alternative emphasizes the triggering event that initiated subsequent actions.

the inception happened when

This alternative uses "inception" to indicate the commencement or start of something, adding a layer of formality.

the launch was when

This alternative suggests a formal initiation or start, similar to launching a project or product.

the kickoff was when

This alternative uses a metaphor to describe the start of something.

the dawn of it was when

This alternative uses a poetic expression to describe the starting point.

things kicked off when

This alternative uses informal language to describe the start of a series of events.

FAQs

How can I use "the beginning was when" in a sentence?

Use "the beginning was when" to introduce a narrative or explain the starting point of an event. For example, "The beginning was when the first settlers arrived."

What are some alternatives to "the beginning was when"?

You can use phrases like "it all started when", "the genesis occurred when", or "it originated when" to express a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the beginning was when"?

Yes, "the beginning was when" is grammatically correct and used to introduce a clause specifying the start of something.

What's the difference between "the beginning was when" and "it started when"?

"The beginning was when" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the initial point. "It started when" is more conversational and focuses on the event's commencement.