English as a Second Language/"start" or "begin"

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Expert: Prof. Evona York, UABC - 1/20/2007


Question
Your question was

what is the diffrence between "start" and "begin"
can we write sentence 1 as sentence 2,here..
1.It began to rain
2.It started raining
in which sentences we are able to use "start" and in which we can use
"begin" and in which we ca write both of them.please give some
examples.....please.....so that i will be able to know the real diffrence  

Answer
Hello, Umair,

"Start" and "begin" are synonyms, and you can use them interchangeably. At this level of English, you would choose the word which sounds more musical, or which flows better in combination with the other words you are using. There is no difference in the meaning.

Please, please learn to use punctuation at the ends of your sentences! Leaving off your periods at the ends of sentences is like going out of the house without combing your hair or brushing your teeth! It makes you look bad. Such an intelligent person as you should not give this impression of carelessness in writing.

Prof. Evona York

English as a Second Language

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Prof. Evona York, UABC

Expertise

I can help with almost anything having to do with English as a Second Language, including grammar and syntax, the basic skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking), etc. I am happy to help with proofreading and advice, but will not do homework for people. I can help with short questions, but because I am swamped with translations at the moment, I do not have time for long ones.

Experience

I taught for a number of years at the Autonomous University of Baja California, am now retired from teaching, but working fulltime as a translator. Present clients: Translator for "Revista Electrónica de Investigación Educativa" redie.ens.uabc.mx. Online magazine of the Institute for Educational Research. Translator: UABC Department of International Alliance and Academic Exchange.

Publications
"Revista Electrónica de Investigación Educativa" redie.ens.uabc.mx Many articles online.

Education/Credentials
Graduate of the School of Languages, Autonomous University of Baja California. Holder of Cambridge University's Certificate for Overseas Teachers of English.

Past/Present Clients
Present clients: Translator for "Revista Electrónica de Investigación Educativa" redie.ens.uabc.mx.Online magazine of the Institute for Educational Research. Translator: UABC Department of International Alliance and Academic Exchange.

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