English Grammar

Begin and Start

There is little or no difference between begin and start.

• It is time to begin/start work.
• When the sun came out, the snow began/started to melt.

Cases where begin is not possible

Start (but not begin) is used to mean:

a) start a journey

• We started at six.

b) start working (for machines)

• At last the car started.

c) make (machines) start

• How do you start a computer?

Search the Dictionary of Practical English Usage

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

Show Full Index Enter your search terms Submit search form   Web www.perfectyourenglish.com