which began

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which began" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the start of an event, process, or situation that is being discussed. Example: "The project, which began last year, has made significant progress since its inception."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Suharto, which began in 1966.

The New Yorker

The campaign, which began at 3 a.m.

The New York Times

2013," which began: I am Fresno.

The New York Times

itself, which began enrolling women in 1906.

The New York Times

agricultural talks, which began last March.

The New York Times

The attack, which began at 9 a.m.

The New York Times

SCSS in Harima, Japan, which began user operations in 2008.

Stanford University

SACLA in Harima, Japan, which began operating in 2011.

Stanford University

Tells about the Patterson trial which began in Sept., 1984.

The New Yorker

Take electricity, which began to be privatised in 1993.

The Economist

Tells about inflation which began increasing in 1973.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which began", ensure the clause it introduces provides essential information about the noun it modifies. This helps maintain clarity and flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid substituting "that began" for "which began" when the clause is non-restrictive (adds extra information but isn't essential to the sentence's meaning). Use "which began" for non-restrictive clauses, setting it off with commas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which began" functions as a relative clause introducing additional information about the noun it modifies. It connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, providing context about the start or origin of something. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which began" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to introduce non-restrictive clauses that provide extra information about the start of something. Ludwig confirms that it's considered correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While alternatives like "that started" exist, "which began" is particularly suitable when adding supplementary details set off by commas. Pay attention to using "which began" correctly in non-restrictive clauses and avoid confusing it with "that began" in restrictive clauses. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "which began" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that started

Replaces "which began" with a simpler, more direct verb.

that commenced

Uses a more formal verb to indicate the beginning.

that initiated

Emphasizes the act of starting or setting something in motion.

that originated

Highlights the point of origin or creation.

that was launched

Suggests a more deliberate or public start.

that got underway

Indicates the start of a process or journey.

that was established

Focuses on the formal creation or setting up of something.

that sprung up

Implies a sudden or rapid beginning.

that arose

Suggests a beginning that emerges from a prior state.

that dated from

Specifies a particular point in time as the beginning.

FAQs

How do I use "which began" in a sentence?

"Which began" is used to introduce a non-restrictive clause, providing additional information about a noun. For example, "The project, "which began" last year, is now complete."

What are some alternatives to "which began"?

Alternatives include "that started", "that commenced", or "that initiated". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is it correct to use "that began" instead of "which began"?

While "that began" can be used, "which began" is preferred for non-restrictive clauses (those set off by commas). "That began" is more appropriate for restrictive clauses that are essential to the sentence's meaning.

What's the difference between "which began" and "that began"?

"Which began" introduces non-restrictive clauses, adding extra information. "That began" is used for restrictive clauses, which are essential to the sentence's meaning and not set off by commas. For example, "The study "that began" this year is showing promising results" (essential) vs. "The study, "which began" in April, will last four years" (additional information).