to begin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to begin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the start of an action or process. Example: "To begin, we will review the main objectives of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're ready to begin.

The New Yorker

So where to begin?

The New York Times - Sports

Time to begin anew?

The New York Times - Arts

Ethiopia, to begin with.

The Economist

To begin, some reading.

The New York Times

But how to begin?

The New York Times

Maybe to begin with.

Independent

How to begin?

The New York Times - Travel

To begin with?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Where to begin?

The New York Times

But where to begin?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to begin" to clearly signal the start of a sequence, argument or action, ensuring a smooth transition for the reader or listener.

Common error

Avoid starting every sentence with "to begin". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms such as "to start", "to commence", or more specific verbs that accurately reflect the action being initiated.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to begin" is to serve as an infinitive, often used as an adverbial phrase to introduce or signal the start of an action, process, or series of events. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to begin" is a grammatically correct and very common infinitive phrase used to signal the commencement of an action or process. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki and Formal & Business contexts, with a neutral register suitable for a wide range of situations. When writing, ensure variety by using synonyms like "to start" or "to commence" and avoiding overuse. Understanding its function and purpose will enhance clarity and organization in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to start

A common and versatile synonym for "to begin", suitable for most contexts.

to commence

A more formal synonym for "to begin", often used in official or written contexts.

to get started

A more conversational and informal way to say "to begin".

to initiate

Implies taking the first step in a process or project.

to launch

Suggests a more formal or significant beginning, often used for projects or initiatives.

to get underway

Indicates that something is starting and progressing.

to set out

Implies embarking on a journey or task.

to embark on

Similar to "to set out", but often used for more significant or adventurous undertakings.

to kick off

An informal phrase meaning to start something, often a meeting or project.

to activate

This alternative suggests initiating some process or function.

FAQs

How can I use "to begin" in a sentence?

You can use "to begin" to introduce the first step in a process, argument, or series of actions. For example, "To begin, gather all your materials."

What are some alternatives to "to begin"?

Some alternatives to "to begin" include "to start", "to commence", or "to initiate", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "to begin"?

While "to begin" is grammatically correct, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using more specific verbs or varying your sentence structure.

What's the difference between "to begin with" and "to begin"?

"To begin with" usually introduces the first point in a series of arguments or reasons, while "to begin" simply indicates the start of an action or process. An example of "to begin with" is: "To begin with, the cost is too high."