Began meaning

Began definitions

Origin of the Word "Began"

Began is a versatile and commonly used English verb that signifies the start of an action or event. Its origin can be traced back to the Old English word "beginnan," which means "to begin" or "to attempt." Over time, the word evolved to its current form, retaining its fundamental meaning of initiation.

Grammatical Usage of "Began"

Began is a past tense conjugation of the verb "begin." It is used to describe actions or events that started and ended in the past. For example, "She began her journey early in the morning." In this sentence, "began" indicates the start of the journey at a specific point in the past. It is important to note that "began" is irregular in its conjugation, as the base form of the verb is "begin," while the past tense form is "began."

Common Synonyms of "Began"

There are several synonyms that can be used interchangeably with began to convey a similar meaning. Some common alternatives include "commenced," "initiated," "started," "launched," and "embarked." These synonyms can add variety and depth to your writing, preventing repetitiveness and monotony.

Examples of Usage in Literature

Throughout history, began has been utilized in various literary works to capture the essence of new beginnings and the initiation of significant events. For instance, in Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities," the famous opening line reads, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only." This iconic passage uses began in the context of a new era unfolding, setting the stage for the novel's narrative.

Conclusion

In summary, began is a foundational verb in the English language that conveys the act of starting or initiating something. Its rich history and usage in literature signify the importance of beginnings and the impact they have on storytelling. By understanding the grammatical nuances and synonyms associated with began, writers can effectively communicate the commencement of events and actions in a clear and engaging manner.

Began Examples

1. She began her journey around the world yesterday.
2. The concert began with a beautiful piano piece.
3. I began to learn how to play the guitar when I was young.
4. The movie began with an exciting car chase scene.
5. We began our renovation project last month.
6. The dog began barking loudly at the strange noise.
7. He began his new job as a teacher this week.
8. She began her presentation by introducing herself to the audience.
9. The rain began to fall just as we arrived home.
10. The story began in a small village by the river.

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