begin
verb (transitive)
UK/bɪˈɡɪn/US/bɪˈɡɪn/
to start to do something; to start to happen or exist
Example Sentences
We will begin the meeting at nine o’clock sharp.
She decided to begin her presentation with a personal story.
It’s best to begin your day with a healthy breakfast.
He hopes to begin studying for his exams next week.
Let’s begin by reviewing the most urgent tasks on our agenda.
If you want to learn a new skill, the first step is simply to begin.
The project will officially begin once all team members agree on the scope, timeline, and deliverables for each phase.
Sometimes, the hardest part of any journey is to begin, but taking that initial step can set the momentum for future success.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To initiate an action or process, marking the first step or stage“Begin” is commonly used to signal the start of something, whether it’s a conversation, project, or journey. When you say, “Let’s begin,” you convey that everyone should focus on the first phase of whatever is planned. In a sentence like, “She began her shift at 9 AM,” it clarifies the exact starting point in time. If you’re instructing someone, you could specify the context: “Begin by opening the file,” or “I’d like to begin with a short overview.” When used in continuous tense, “We’re beginning to see improvements,” it emphasizes that something is just getting underway. Although “begin” often appears in formal or neutral contexts, you can also use it in casual speech: “I’ll begin cooking dinner around six.” Just ensure the rest of the sentence supports what you’re initiating—a project, an event, a meeting—to give your listener or reader a clear sense of where things stand at the outset.
Alternatives
If you need a substitute for “begin,” pick a synonym suited to your tone and context. “Start” is the most common, straightforward alternative, while “commence” carries a more formal or ceremonial flavor, often used in official announcements—“The ceremony will commence at noon.” For a slightly more narrative or dramatic edge, “embark on” emphasizes the adventure aspect, as in “They embarked on a month-long trek.” “Initiate” works well when underscoring a deliberate launch of a procedure or system: “We initiated the next phase of the project.” Meanwhile, “get underway” or “kick off” offer informal, lively ways to reference a group activity—“We’ll kick off the presentation with an icebreaker.” By varying your word choice—“start,” “commence,” “embark on,” “initiate,” “get underway”—you keep your communication dynamic while adjusting formality to the needs of your topic or audience.
Writing
When writing in formal or academic contexts, “begin” is a concise verb to introduce an event or argument—“Let us begin by examining the primary sources.” It signals a clear, organized opening to your main points or discussions. If you notice frequent repetition of “begin,” replace it with “commence” for a more formal tone or “open” if you wish to emphasize setting something in motion. In research or analytical papers, you might use phrases like “This study begins by outlining the hypothesis.” This straightforward approach clarifies the logical sequence of your work. In more creative writing, “begin” can emphasize a narrative shift or a character’s journey: “They began to suspect something amiss as the night wore on.” When employing the continuous form—“was beginning to,” “were beginning to”—highlight a sense of gradual development. Above all, keep your usage deliberate. Too many “begin” references in close succession can feel repetitive, so explore synonyms or vary sentence structures to maintain a smooth, engaging flow.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “begin” is widely used but can sound slightly more formal than “start,” so pick whichever feels natural to you. If you’re telling friends about your plans, you might say, “I’m beginning my workout routine tomorrow,” or “Let’s begin cleaning up before guests arrive.” In relaxed settings, you may opt for “start” to keep it light—“I’ll start dinner now,” or “Let’s start the movie.” Often, “begin” highlights the first step in something that might be more structured—like a new job or a major task—while “start” can fit almost any informal scenario. Still, there’s no strict rule; daily speech tends to be flexible. Occasionally, people shorten “begin” to playful or idiomatic expressions, such as “We’ll begin with dessert,” to add humor or intrigue. Feel free to match your choice of verb—“begin” or “start”—with the overall tone you’re aiming for, so your communication sounds both clear and comfortable among friends or family.
Etymology
The verb “begin” comes from Old English “beginnan,” where “be-” acted as an intensifier paired with “ginnan,” a term meaning “to open” or “to start something.” This Proto-Germanic root carried notions of setting something into motion or opening a new chapter, whether literal or figurative. As the English language evolved through the Middle Ages and early modern periods, “begin” solidified its role in marking initial steps or phases, while close relatives like “start” and “commence” branched off from their own linguistic origins. Although “begin” has retained a stable core meaning through centuries, its usage has adapted to modern times, integrating seamlessly into both everyday speech and formal writing. The word remains pivotal for signaling the dawn of actions, events, or phases in personal, professional, and creative contexts alike. Through its long history, “begin” has proven a reliable linguistic tool to launch all sorts of processes, from epic stories to daily routines.
