word choice - What is the difference between "begin" and "start"?



The children are eager to start the novel.



or



The children are eager to begin the novel.




Answer



Begin, when used as transitive verb, means "start, perform, or undergo the first part of an action or activity."
Start, when used as transitive verb, means "cause (an event or process) to happen", or "cause or enable someone or something to begin doing or pursuing something."


In "the children are eager to start reading the novel," start means "embark on a continuing action."


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