the year began

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the year began" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the start of a specific year or discussing events that occurred at the beginning of that year. For example, "The year began with a celebration in the town square." Alternative expressions include "the year started" and "the year commenced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

When the year began, all indications were that Albany's years-long stalemate over gun control would remain intact.

The New York Times

The year began with Mr. Lay's resignation.

The New York Times

The year began with the deadliest Ebola epidemic ever seen.

Independent

Dark clouds also hung over the EU project itself as the year began.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The year began with the Palestinians pressing ahead with a new unilateralist strategy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As the year began, a new English teacher was expected from India.

The New York Times

It's a toss up between two, both from acts I hadn't heard as the year began.

Independent

The year began, as so many bad things do, in a mild, unassuming, almost surreptitious way.

Independent

"But when you consider how strongly the year began, it is certainly ending very differently".

The New York Times

The year began with gales and storms as much of the south-west endured record rainfall.

The Guardian

The trial, which is expected to continue through the year, began in April.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add narrative richness, follow "the year began" with specific details such as weather conditions, political events, or economic indicators that marked the start of the year.

Common error

Avoid using "the year began" repetitively in close proximity within your writing. Vary your sentence structure by using alternative phrases like "early in the year" or "at the start of the year" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the year began" primarily functions as a temporal marker, indicating the commencement of a specific year. Ludwig provides several examples showing its use in setting the context for subsequent events or conditions, such as economic trends, political shifts, or significant occurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the year began" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to mark the start of a year, providing context for subsequent events. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various reputable sources, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "at the start of the year" or "early in the year" exist, "the year began" offers a clear and direct way to establish a chronological starting point. When using this phrase, follow it with specific details that help paint a picture of the year's initial conditions to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The year started

A simpler and more direct alternative.

At the start of the year

Focuses on a specific point in time within the year's beginning.

The beginning of the year saw

Emphasizes the events or conditions that were present at the start.

The year opened with

Highlights the initial events or conditions of the year.

As the year commenced

A more formal way of saying the year began.

As a new year dawned

Emphasizes the newness and potential of a fresh year.

With the dawn of the year

A more figurative and descriptive start.

Early in the year

Less specific about the exact beginning.

In January

Specifies the month when the year begins.

The first part of the year

More general reference to the start of the year.

FAQs

How can I use "the year began" in a sentence?

Use "the year began" to establish a timeframe when discussing events or conditions at the start of a particular year. For example, "The year began with a surge in unemployment rates".

What are some alternatives to "the year began"?

You can use alternatives such as "at the start of the year", "early in the year", or "the year started" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the year began" in formal writing?

Yes, "the year began" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to introduce the beginning of a year in various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific reports.

What information should I include after stating "the year began"?

Follow "the year began" with specific details about what happened or was expected at that time. This could include economic forecasts, political developments, or significant events that shaped the year's initial conditions.