TOEIC question: Start vs. begin

English as a Second Language Preparation forum for the TOEIC® Test
1

Hi, in my TOEIC prep book there is this sentence:

When did you begin your new job?

Can I replace begin with start in this question? (When did you start your new job?)

Thanks
Olaf

2

Yes. Some people might think that start is less formal, but not enough to make a real difference most of the time.

3

Start(n) begin to do something or happen
or begin to operate, travel or move.
ex. When will you start from Chennai?
in verbs - an act of beginning or the point in which something begins.

Begin; carry out or come in to begin.
When did you begin do this business?

4

This sounds like Indian English to me. Where did you learn this question?

This should read ‘When did you start this business’?[YSaerTTEW443543]

TOEIC listening, talks: A film star thanks his crew for their work at award event[YSaerTTEW443543]

5

Dear Sir

Thank you for your correction. “Where did you start this business?”

Secondly I will always talk Indian english only, because I am in India.

Thank you

S.Shanthi

6

Dear All,

Really I see no difeerence in usage and meaning between the two. I used to use them exchangeably.

Hadeer

7

START VS BEGINS

Verb “Start”: If the situation is not yet done.

Ex: I have to start practising english fluency now.

Verb Begin is that you have done an activity before several times.

I have begun to practise listening exercise now.

S.Shanthi