begin
verb (used without object)
to proceed to perform the first or earliest part of some action; commence; start.
were beginning
-
past progressiveof begin.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The mission will explore an unusually quiet region that offers scientists an opportunity to investigate both far side geology and the cosmic Dark Ages, a period when newly formed stars were beginning to become visible.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 11, 2026
In Spain, emergency responders were beginning to make some progress in efforts to contain the wildfires that have been raging in and near the Madrid region for days.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026
Just as residents were beginning to clean up the flood damage, Super Typhoon Bavi bore down on eastern China, threatening more rain.
From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026
Carnival CFO David Bernstein said in the company’s earnings press release that booking volume “headwinds” in the Mediterranean region, associated with the conflict in the Middle East, were beginning to reverse.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 23, 2026
However, when they spoke, it became clear the Italians were ending their shift and the Austrians were beginning.
From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool
