Begin-Start | Commonly Confused Words
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Begin vs. Start

Begin

/bɪˈɡɪn/
To start or commence something

Examples:

When did you begin learning English?Edward accepted her invitation and he began to be more cheerful.Clyde was beginning to show a disposition to balk.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Start

/stɑːt/
To begin to do something or the point at which something begins

Examples:

Bernard started at these words.Marian, starting to reach into the waste-basket, refrained."I'm not blaming you," Olivia starts to protest.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Remember that begin sounds more formal than start.
  • You often start a car but begin a journey.
  • Think of start as kicking off an action and begin as more about initiation.
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