Difference between 'start' and 'begin'.

The words 'start' and 'begin' are two synonyms. They are often used interchangeably, but there is slight difference between them.

Start vs Begin

Both can be used when talking about something starting to happen or a person starting to do something. There is no difference in meaning between them, however 'start' is generally used in spoken language.

・It's beginning/starting to rain.

・The movie will start/begin in ten minutes.

・She will start/begin her English course next week.

・She started/began her presentation with an interesting anecdote.

'Begin' is not used when talking about the operation of a machine and in the sense of going on a journey.

・Start the engine.

・We started at six o'clock in the morning.