then began

USAGE SUMMARY

"then began" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is a phrase used to indicate the start of an event or action, usually after a period of preparation or anticipation. Example sentence: After hours of waiting, then began the long-awaited parade.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then began the prosecutions.

The New York Times

Then began his reversal.

The New York Times

He then began to seize".

The New Yorker

Then began a steady decline.

The New Yorker

Topalov then began to drift.

The New York Times

Countrywide then began foreclosure proceedings.

The New York Times

He then began stalking.

The Guardian

She then began crying.

The New Yorker

Then began the war.

The New Yorker

Then began the wait.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

UtiliCorp United then began acquiring other utilities.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then began" to clearly signal the commencement of an event or action, particularly when it follows a preparatory phase or a preceding event. This helps to create a smooth narrative flow.

Common error

Avoid using "then began" to describe actions happening at the same time. This phrase indicates a sequential event, so ensure the action truly follows another, rather than occurring concurrently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then began" functions as a temporal marker and transitional phrase. It signals the commencement of a subsequent event or action in a narrative or sequence. Ludwig AI indicates that this is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Huffington Post

4%

Forbes

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "then began" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the start of an action or event following a previous one. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While mainly found in news and media, it also appears in encyclopedias and scientific writings. For alternative phrasing, consider using "subsequently started" or "thereafter commenced" for a more formal tone. Remember to use "then began" to describe sequential events and avoid using it for concurrent actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequently started

This alternative provides a more formal tone and emphasizes the chronological sequence of events.

thereafter commenced

This option is highly formal and highlights a clear temporal succession.

following that, initiated

This alternative uses a slightly more descriptive and less direct structure.

after which, started

This phrase introduces a clearer break between the two actions than "then began".

at that point, commenced

This version emphasizes a specific moment in time when the action started.

next, it started

This option provides a simple and direct way to indicate the beginning of an action in a sequence.

from there, it unfolded

This phrase suggests a gradual and developing process rather than a singular event.

at that stage, it began

This highlights a specific stage in a process when the action started.

upon that, it started

This option is slightly more formal than "then began" and emphasizes the immediate succession.

with that, it commenced

This suggests a connection between a preceding action or event and the start of a new one.

FAQs

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

"Then began" indicates the start of something after a previous event. For example: "The music stopped, then began the applause."

What's a good alternative to "then began"?

Alternatives include "subsequently started", "thereafter commenced", or "following that, initiated" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "then began"?

Yes, it's incorrect if the actions are simultaneous rather than sequential. "Then began" implies a direct sequence, not actions happening at the same time.

What's the difference between "then began" and "later began"?

"Then began" implies a more immediate sequence, whereas "later began" ("later began") suggests a longer interval between the first event and the subsequent beginning.