1 C1 formal
To start working on or dealing with a particular task or subject.
"Having gathered all the necessary materials, she was ready to begin upon her research."
begin upon
C1 formal transitive
To start or commence working on something; a formal or archaic way of saying 'begin on'.
In plain English
To start doing or working on something.
What does "begin upon" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To start upon a thing — to place yourself at the beginning of it.
Actually means
To start doing or working on something.
Usage tip
Archaic and very rarely used in modern English. In contemporary usage, speakers say 'begin on', 'start on', or 'embark on'. You may encounter it in older literary texts.
Words that pair with "begin upon"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
work task project journey study subject
How to conjugate "begin upon"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
begin upon
I/you/we/they
3rd person
begins upon
he/she/it
Past simple
began upon
yesterday
Past participle
begun upon
have + pp
-ing form
beginning upon
continuous
Hear "begin upon" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "begin upon" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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