What is defferent between "begin" and "start"? What is defferent "begin to~" and "start to~"?

Question

What is defferent between "begin" and "start"?  What is defferent "begin to~" and "start to~"?

Answer

It has already been stated that they are synonyms, so they have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.

The only difference is that "start" is used much more commonly and casually than "begin".  In casual conversation I almost always use "start" instead of "begin".

Answer

If you ask a native English speaker this question, chances are that he/she would answer you quickly that there is no difference between those two words. It’s a fact that people, and most dictionaries, consider start and begin to be synonyms, as we can see below: 

-> start working
-> begin working
-> start to work
-> begin to work

-> It’s starting to rain.
-> It’s beginning to rain.
-> When Katherine heard the news, she started to cry.
-> When Katherine heard the news, she began to cry. 
-> The movie starts at 7:00.
-> The movie begins at 7:00.

But we know that to every rule there is an exception. So, while in most instances start and begin are interchangeable, in a few cases, only start is possible. Observe:

*Only start, not begin, can imply setting out from a specific point, frequently following inaction

(1) “Stand here and visit with me for a few minutes until the train starts.”
(2) "start a journey" "Let's start early before the traffic builds up."
(3) ”My computer won’t start.”         (*** You can't use begin to talk about a machine functioning.***)
(4) "Why can’t you start the car?"
(5) “How do you start the washing machine?”

On the other hand, someone learning a new subject is a beginner, not a starter.

*Begin often means to take the first step in performing or to come into being.

I can also recommend this ESL site for training: 
http://www.english-test.net/esl/learn/english/grammar/ei006/esl-test.php

I know it’s confusing, but as the time passes and your understanding of English improves, this sort of thing will gradually and naturally become clearer. 

Ganbatte! ;P

Answer

Begin and start are synonyms - they have the same meaning.
'Begin to' and 'start to' are also synonyms.
That is what sara was saying when she used equals (=) - they are equal in meaning (she could have been a little clearer).

Start has additional, less common meanings which are different than begin.  For example,
to 'start' can mean to 'move suddenly' - "He started when he heard the thunder" - means he jerked/convulsed/moved suddenly.

But for the most common meaning, begin and start mean the same thing.

Answer

begin =\START ,TO=TO ,BEGIN TO=\START TO

Answers · 4

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