Start and begin mean the same thing, and in most sentences you can use either: start or begin to learn, start or begin working. Begin sounds slightly more formal, start simpler and more conversational. But only start means to make a machine work (start the car, start the computer) and to set something up (start a business).
start or begin — can you pick the right one?
Pick a word and write a sentence — we'll check right away that it fits the meaning and explain any mistakes.
The check is taking longer than usual. Your feedback will appear here automatically.
start/begin + to + verb; start/begin + -ing; start/begin + a lesson/course/meeting; start + the car/engine/computer; start + a business/company
- I started learning Spanish last spring, mostly with podcasts on my way to work.
- The lecture will begin at ten, so please arrive a few minutes early.
- My brother started a small coffee business after he left his office job.
What changed
First versionThis morning my car didn't begin, so I took the bus.
RevisionThis morning my car didn't start, so I took the bus.
Because the two verbs are so often interchangeable, it's easy to assume they always are. But only start also means to make a machine work; begin has no such meaning, so you don't use it about a car, an engine or a computer that won't run. So didn't begin was changed to didn't start.
Start has one more meaning, to jump in surprise: I started when the phone rang at midnight. Begin has no such meaning. On the other hand, begin sounds more natural in official announcements: The ceremony will begin at noon.
Your turn
I turned the key twice, but the engine wouldn't ___.
Show the answer
start — This is about an engine that won't run, so you need start in the sense of switching on. Begin is only about the start of an action or event, and it isn't used about cars or machines.
Write about how you started doing something new. Say when it was and what made you start.
I started running two years ago because my doctor told me to move more.
Learn to use new words without mistakes
Write phrases with the words you are learning. LetsWords shows mistakes in usage and grammar, suggests corrections and explains them, and review helps the words stick.