we shall begin

USAGE SUMMARY

"We shall begin" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when starting something new or when discussing a plan of action. For example, "We shall begin our journey to the summit this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Then we shall begin.

Independent

"My dish is ruined, we shall begin again.

The New Yorker

We shall begin with the innermost circle, of information, containing the most conceptual roles, and work out to the more tangible or specific ones.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We shall begin with a primer on this curious mathematical object, with simple properties that are at once powerful and easy to abstract.

Stanford University

Because Thursday seems like a good day for a moral dilemma, we shall begin to contemplate Saturday's gargantuan college football clash between No. 1 Louisiana State and No. 2 Alabama.

The New York Times - Sports

Condillac does not begin his work Logic (1780) with axioms or principles; rather, he writes, "we shall begin by observing the lessons which nature gives us". He explains that the method of analysis is akin to the way that children learn when they acquire knowledge without the help of adults.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Shall begin thus?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I shall begin with a telephone call.

The New York Times - Books

I shall begin here with 'new' and related words.

The Guardian - Books

As it is Sunday I shall begin anew...

The New York Times - Books

I shall begin by describing that underlying case law.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we shall begin" in formal contexts, such as academic papers, presentations, or official announcements, to convey a sense of purpose and intention.

Common error

Avoid using "we shall begin" in casual conversations or informal writing. Alternatives like "let's start" or "we will start" are more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we shall begin" functions as a performative expression, indicating the initiation of an action or process. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Examples in Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from academic discussions to news reports.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33.33%

News & Media

33.33%

Academia

22.22%

Less common in

Wiki

3.7%

Encyclopedias

3.7%

Formal & Business

3.7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we shall begin" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to formally announce the start of an activity or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it appears across various contexts, it is particularly prevalent in scientific, academic, and news-related sources. When writing, it's best to reserve "we shall begin" for formal settings and consider using alternatives like "let's start" or "we will start" in more casual conversations. The phrase's formality, rooted in the use of "shall", contributes to its impact in deliberate and structured communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we will commence

Replaces "shall" with "will", making it slightly less formal but retains the same future intention.

we are about to begin

Indicates that the beginning is imminent or very near.

we will start

Simple and direct alternative, removing the formality of "shall".

let us start

Offers a more informal and collaborative tone compared to "we shall begin".

we are going to start

A more casual and contemporary way of expressing the intention to begin.

now we begin

A direct and emphatic way of stating the start of something.

we intend to initiate

A more formal and deliberate way of expressing the intention to begin something.

it is time to start

Emphasizes the timing and readiness to begin an activity.

we propose to begin

Suggests a formal proposal or suggestion to start an activity.

the commencement will be

Shifts the focus to the commencement itself, rather than the actors.

FAQs

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

"We shall begin" is often used to formally announce the start of a process or activity. For instance, "We shall begin the meeting promptly at 9 AM".

What are some alternatives to "we shall begin"?

Alternatives include "let's start", "we will start", or "we will commence", depending on the level of formality required.

When is it appropriate to use "we shall begin"?

It's appropriate in formal settings like presentations, academic papers, or official announcements. Avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler alternatives are preferred.

Is "we shall begin" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we shall begin" is grammatically correct. The auxiliary verb "shall" is used with "we" to express future intention or determination.