we might begin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we might begin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest the possibility of starting something, often in a tentative or polite manner. Example: "If everyone is ready, we might begin the meeting now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Perhaps we might begin that dialogue with a considered act of empathy toward these statues.

University of California, Berkeley

We might begin by asking the question, Who are we now?

The New York Times

If it were summer, we might begin our camping trip with a snooze in a hammock.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If we are lucky, the end of the sentence is where we might begin.

The New Yorker

In that moment, Trump is finally a person we might begin to understand.

The New Yorker

This understanding is empowering because it enables a complete picture of what needs to change, and how we might begin.

Columbia University

One way we might begin to discuss this is by directing our attention the use of personification in the scene.

Princeton University

We might begin a sentence in 1956 and end it in 1993, or we might go backward.

The New York Times - Books

He preferred to talk about America's problems as "ours," and how "we" — a nonpartisan we — might begin solving them.

The New Yorker

That way we might begin to construct a less equivocal and more effective public-health message about nutrition.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But when the simulacra or artificial realities of pop culture get involved--we might begin to romanticize our own realities in a delusional way.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the context and audience. "We might begin" works well in formal and neutral settings where directness might seem too assertive.

Common error

Avoid using "we might begin" in casual conversations or informal writing where it can sound overly formal or stiff. Simpler alternatives like "let's start" or "we can start" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we might begin" functions as a modal phrase used to express possibility or suggestion for initiating an action or discussion. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a grammatically correct and usable expression, often employed to introduce a tentative course of action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we might begin" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to suggest a starting point or initial action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its prevalence across diverse contexts such as news, academia, and science. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to professional settings where directness needs to be tempered with politeness. When alternatives are needed, consider options like "we could start" or "we can begin", adjusting for the appropriate tone. Avoid overuse in informal contexts where simpler language is more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we could start

Suggests a possibility of starting, similar to "we might begin", but uses a different modal verb.

perhaps we should start

Introduces a suggestion with "perhaps", making the proposition more tentative and polite.

we may commence

Offers a more formal alternative to starting, using "commence" instead of "begin".

we can initiate

Uses "initiate" to emphasize the act of starting something, providing a slightly stronger sense of action.

we shall commence

A more formal and slightly archaic way of saying we will begin, using "shall" for emphasis.

let's consider starting

Explicitly proposes considering the start of something, adding a layer of deliberation.

how about we start

Poses starting as a question, inviting input or agreement from others.

it would be good to start

Focuses on the desirability of starting, rather than simply the possibility.

we can get underway

Replaces "begin" with the idiomatic "get underway", suggesting a start to a process or journey.

we could try starting

Suggests starting as a trial or experiment, implying less commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "we might begin" in a sentence?

You can use "we might begin" to suggest a possible starting point or action, such as "We might begin by reviewing the project goals" or "We might begin the discussion with a brief overview".

What are some alternatives to "we might begin"?

Alternatives include "we could start", "we can begin", or "let's start", depending on the desired level of formality and directness.

Is "we might begin" formal or informal?

"We might begin" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for professional settings and written communication, but may sound overly formal in casual conversations.

What's the difference between "we might begin" and "we will begin"?

"We might begin" suggests a possibility or suggestion, whereas "we will begin" indicates a definite plan or intention. The former is less assertive and more open to discussion.