English Vocabulary

to begin or to start

Fugendichter

User since 2008
Posts: 588

27 Feb. 2010

When did he begin playing panpipes?

Or must I say: When did he start playing panpipes?

Is there any difference in the meaning or the good sound of the two verbs?

1 comments

AhQ ['a: kiu]
User since 2006
Posts: 2715
28 Feb. 2010

To my mind, Odile, either sentence is correct and usual. You are right to point out that in some cases it's usual to use start and not begin, but in many cases like yours, both verbs fit.
To my mind, Odile, either sentence is correct and usual. You are right to point out that in some cases it's usual to use start and not begin, but in many cases like yours, both verbs fit.

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