What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
begin
Example
Let's begin our meeting with a quick introduction. [begin: verb]
Example
She began her career as a teacher before becoming a writer. [began: past tense]
start
Example
I will start cooking dinner while you set the table. [start: verb]
Example
The movie will start in five minutes, so let's find our seats. [start: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Start is more commonly used than begin in everyday spoken language. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts and situations, making it a more popular choice for expressing the beginning of an action or event.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between begin and start?
While begin is associated with a slightly more formal tone, start is more commonly used in informal or casual conversations. However, both words can be used in different formality levels depending on the context.
