was a beginning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was a beginning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the start of an event, process, or period in time, often reflecting on its significance. Example: "The signing of the treaty was a beginning of a new era in diplomatic relations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a beginning.

The New York Times

That end was a beginning.

The New York Times

It was a beginning step.

The New York Times

Rather it was a beginning.

The Guardian - Sport

It reinforced to me that this was not an end, it was a beginning.

The New York Times

Such experience and youth give Wray hope that yesterday was a beginning.

Independent

It was a small force no more than 8,000 men but it was a beginning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The public viewed it as little more than a weak exhibition, but it was a beginning.

The New York Times - Sports

Far from an end in itself, this victory was a beginning.

Independent

I did enjoy the wine and food, however, and that was a beginning.

The Guardian - Travel

For me, Woodstock was never the beginning; it was a beginning.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was a beginning" to emphasize that a particular event or action marked the start of something significant, often implying future development or change.

Common error

Avoid using "was a beginning" as a final statement without indicating what it initiated. Always provide context about the subsequent developments or implications of that beginning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was a beginning" functions as a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun phrase that renames or describes it. It often introduces the initial phase or starting point of an event, process, or period, as seen in many of the examples Ludwig provides. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was a beginning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the initiation of an event, process, or period. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and the examples highlight its usage across varied contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Encyclopedia sources. When using "was a beginning", ensure to provide context about what that beginning led to, and avoid using it as a standalone conclusion. Consider alternatives like "marked the start" or "signified the onset" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marked the start

Emphasizes the initiation or commencement of something.

signified the onset

Highlights the commencement or arrival of something, often an event or condition.

represented the dawn

Conveys the idea of a new beginning or the start of a promising period.

heralded the launch

Suggests the formal introduction or start of a project, product, or initiative.

inaugurated the era

Indicates the formal beginning or introduction of a new period or epoch.

kick-started the process

Implies the initiation of a process or series of actions.

set the stage for

Highlights how something created conditions for future events.

constituted the genesis

Emphasizes the origin or creation point of something.

became the foundation

Highlights the formation of basis for something more complex.

paved the way for

Indicates how something made the path for something else.

FAQs

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

Use "was a beginning" to indicate the start of an event, process, or period, often implying future significance. For example: "The project's initial phase "was a beginning" for the entire organization's transformation".

What are some alternatives to "was a beginning"?

You can use alternatives like "marked the start", "signified the onset", or "represented the dawn" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was a beginning to"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. It indicates that something "was a beginning" that led to something else. For example, "The meeting "was a beginning" to a long-term collaboration".

What is the difference between "was a beginning" and "was the beginning"?

"Was a beginning" suggests one of many possible beginnings, while "was the beginning" indicates the definitive starting point. For example, "The conference "was a beginning" for many new projects" versus "The Big Bang "was the beginning" of the universe".