A common question that arises when writing or speaking is whether to use the word “begin” or “start.” Both words are used to convey the idea of initiating an action or process, but is there a proper word to use in each situation?
The answer is that both “begin” and “start” can be used interchangeably in most cases. However, there are some subtle differences between the two that can affect the tone and meaning of your writing or speech.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “begin” means “to perform the first or earliest part of an action; to come into operation or existence.” On the other hand, “start” means “to set out on a journey or course; to begin a movement or action.”
While these definitions may seem similar, there are some nuances to consider. “Begin” tends to be used for actions or processes that are more formal or deliberate, while “start” is used for actions or processes that are more casual or spontaneous.
For example, you might “begin” a speech or a formal presentation, but you would “start” a conversation with a friend or a casual meeting. Similarly, you might “begin” a project or a task that requires careful planning and execution, but you might “start” a hobby or a creative pursuit that allows for more experimentation and spontaneity.
With these differences in mind, it’s important to consider the context and tone of your writing or speech when deciding which word to use. In the rest of this article, we’ll explore some common situations where “begin” and “start” are used, and offer some tips for choosing the right word in each case.
Define Begin
Begin is a verb that refers to the starting point of an action or process. It is the initial stage of something and marks the point at which something starts to happen.
For instance, in the context of a project, beginning would be the point at which the project is initiated, and the first steps are taken to get the project off the ground. In a race, beginning would be the point at which the starting gun is fired, and the runners start moving.
Begin can also be used to indicate the first step in a series of actions or events. For example, in a recipe, the first step would be to begin by preheating the oven. In this sense, begin is often used interchangeably with the word “start.”
Define Start
Start is a verb that refers to the commencement of an action or process. It is the point at which something begins to happen, and the first steps are taken to initiate a task or project.
In the context of a project, starting would be the point at which the project is initiated, and the first steps are taken to get the project off the ground. In a race, starting would be the point at which the starting gun is fired, and the runners start moving.
Start can also be used to indicate the beginning of a series of actions or events. For example, in a recipe, the first step would be to start by preheating the oven. In this sense, start is often used interchangeably with the word “begin.”
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
One of the most common mistakes in English language usage is the confusion between the words “begin” and “start”. Although they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can impact the clarity and accuracy of your writing. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.
How To Use “Begin” In A Sentence
The word “begin” is often used to indicate the start of an action or process. It is typically followed by an infinitive verb or a gerund. Here are some examples:
- I will begin to write the report tomorrow.
- The concert will begin at 8 PM.
- She began studying French last year.
It is important to note that “begin” is often used in a more formal or literary context than “start”.
How To Use “Start” In A Sentence
The word “start” is also used to indicate the beginning of an action or process. However, it is generally considered more informal and casual than “begin”. Here are some examples:
- Let’s start the meeting now.
- She started running as soon as the gun went off.
- He started feeling better after taking the medication.
Additionally, “start” can be used as a noun to refer to the beginning of something. For example:
- The start of the race was delayed due to bad weather.
- We need to make a fresh start in our relationship.
Overall, it is important to pay attention to the context and tone of your writing when deciding whether to use “begin” or “start”. Choosing the appropriate word can help convey your message more clearly and effectively.
More Examples Of Begin & Start Used In Sentences
Understanding the subtle differences between “begin” and “start” can be challenging at times. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using “Begin” In A Sentence
- I will begin my presentation with a brief overview of the company’s history.
- Let’s begin the meeting by discussing our goals for the quarter.
- She began her career in journalism as an intern at a local newspaper.
- It’s never too late to begin learning a new language.
- The concert will begin promptly at 8 pm.
- He decided to begin his workout routine with some light stretching.
- She will begin her maternity leave next month.
- Before we begin the project, let’s review the timeline and budget.
- The chef will begin preparing the main course in just a few minutes.
- Let’s begin the hike early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
Examples Of Using “Start” In A Sentence
- We need to start the engine before we can go anywhere.
- She started her own business after working in the corporate world for several years.
- Let’s start the party with some appetizers and drinks.
- He started feeling ill after eating the seafood platter.
- The race will start at the sound of the gun.
- She started to panic when she realized she had lost her phone.
- He will start his new job next week.
- Let’s start the movie as soon as everyone has arrived.
- The company will start implementing the new policy next month.
- She started to cry when she saw the puppy for the first time.
These are just a few examples of how “begin” and “start” can be used in sentences. By paying attention to the context and nuances of each word, you can choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words begin and start, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Start” Instead Of “Begin”
One common mistake is using “start” instead of “begin” when referring to the start of an action or process. While “start” is generally interchangeable with “begin,” it is important to use “begin” when referring to the start of a long-term or ongoing action. For example, “I began studying for the exam last month” is more appropriate than “I started studying for the exam last month.”
Using “Begin” Instead Of “Start”
Conversely, another common mistake is using “begin” instead of “start” when referring to the start of a short-term or immediate action. For example, “I started the car and drove to the store” is more appropriate than “I began the car and drove to the store.”
Using “Begin” As A Transitive Verb
Another mistake is using “begin” as a transitive verb, which means using it with a direct object. For example, “I began the project” is incorrect, as “begin” is an intransitive verb and should not be used with a direct object. Instead, use “start” or “commence” when referring to starting a project or task.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
- Be aware of the context in which you are using “begin” or “start” and choose the appropriate word accordingly.
- Consider the duration of the action or process you are referring to. Use “begin” for long-term or ongoing actions and “start” for short-term or immediate actions.
- Use “start” or “commence” when referring to starting a project or task with a direct object.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “begin” and “start,” context can play a crucial role in determining which word to use. While both words are often used interchangeably, there are certain situations where one word may be more appropriate than the other.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “begin” and “start” might change:
| Context | Example Sentence | More Appropriate Word |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Writing | We will begin the meeting at 10:00 AM sharp. | Begin |
| Informal Conversation | Let’s start the party with some music! | Start |
| Physical Actions | He will begin the race by firing the starting gun. | Begin |
| Emotional States | I started to feel nervous when I saw the size of the crowd. | Started |
As you can see from the examples above, the choice between “begin” and “start” can depend on the tone, formality, and physical or emotional nature of the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the nuances of each word in order to choose the most appropriate one for your specific situation.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “begin” and “start” are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some of the most common exceptions:
1. Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are idiomatic expressions that consist of a verb and one or more particles, such as prepositions or adverbs. In some cases, “begin” and “start” can be used interchangeably with phrasal verbs, while in other cases, only one of the two words is correct.
| Phrasal Verb | Correct Word | Incorrect Word |
|---|---|---|
| Begin with | Begin | Start |
| Start up | Start | Begin |
| Start over | Start | Begin |
2. Collocations
Collocations are words that are commonly used together in a specific language or culture. In some cases, “begin” and “start” can be used interchangeably with collocations, while in other cases, only one of the two words is correct.
| Collocation | Correct Word | Incorrect Word |
|---|---|---|
| Begin a project | Begin | Start |
| Start a car | Start | Begin |
| Start a fire | Start | Begin |
3. Idiomatic Expressions
Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a different meaning than the individual words used in the expression. In some cases, “begin” and “start” can be used interchangeably with idiomatic expressions, while in other cases, only one of the two words is correct.
| Idiomatic Expression | Correct Word | Incorrect Word |
|---|---|---|
| Begin from scratch | Begin | Start |
| Start from the beginning | Start | Begin |
| Start the ball rolling | Start | Begin |
By understanding these exceptions, you can use “begin” and “start” correctly in a variety of situations.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of “begin” and “start” can be achieved through practice exercises. Here are some exercises that can help:
Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word
For each sentence, choose the correct word between “begin” and “start”.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| She decided to __________ her own business. | start |
| Let’s __________ the meeting at 2 PM. | begin |
| He needs to __________ studying for his exam. | start |
| Can we __________ the party earlier? | begin |
| She likes to __________ her day with a cup of coffee. | start |
Answer key: 1. start, 2. begin, 3. start, 4. begin, 5. start
Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank
Complete each sentence with either “begin” or “start”.
- It’s important to __________ planning early for your retirement.
- He decided to __________ his own business after years of working for someone else.
- The team will __________ working on the project next week.
- Can we __________ the meeting at 3 PM instead of 4 PM?
- She likes to __________ her day with a morning jog.
Answer key: 1. begin, 2. start, 3. start, 4. begin, 5. start
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of “begin” and “start” in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context and meaning of the sentence to choose the correct word.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between “begin” and “start” may seem trivial, but it can make a big difference in your writing. Here are the key takeaways from this article:
- Both “begin” and “start” mean to initiate an action, but “begin” is more formal and often used in written or academic contexts.
- “Start” is more commonly used in spoken English and informal writing.
- Using “begin” instead of “start” can add a level of sophistication to your writing and help you sound more authoritative.
As you continue to improve your writing skills, it’s important to pay attention to grammar and language use. By doing so, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and effective. Keep learning and practicing, and you’ll soon become a master of the English language!
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.