Correct Spelling
In edited English, beginning is the standard spelling for the start and for the -ing form of begin.
Beginning has two n’s. That’s not decoration; it follows a real spelling pattern in English. The form begining shows up a lot in typing, but it’s treated as a misspelling in standard writing.
Why “Beginning” Has Two N’s
The verb begin turns into beginning by adding -ing, and English often doubles the final consonant in a stressed consonant–vowel–consonant pattern. That’s why you get -nn- in beginning, not a single n.✅Source
- Base Verb
- begin
- Added Ending
- -ing (creates the -ing form)
- Result
- beginning (with nn)
A small detail that matters: begin is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable (be-GIN). That stress is one of the reasons the double consonant pattern shows up here.
Similar Spelling Pattern Examples
- run → running
- sit → sitting
- plan → planning
- admit → admitting
What “Beginning” Means
Beginning most often means the point or time when something starts, or the first part of something. It also appears as an adjective for basic or introductory level content.✅Source
As A Noun
- start point
- first moment
- early stage
- the beginning of the year
- missed the beginning of the movie
- humble beginnings (plural for origins)
As An Adjective
- intro level
- basic skills
- starter content
- beginning mathematics
- a beginning course
- beginning students
Grammar Roles for “Beginning”
The word beginning can act like a noun, an -ing form of a verb, or an adjective. Same spelling, different jobs.
- Noun: “The beginning of the book is quiet.”
- Gerund (verb form used as a noun): “Beginning early feels calmer.”
- Present Participle: “The show is beginning now.”
- Adjective: “A beginning class covers the basics.”
One extra note: begin is an irregular verb (past began, past participle begun). The -ing form stays beginning.✅Source
Common Phrases With “Beginning”
Many everyday phrases lock in the spelling beginning. Once you’ve seen these a few times, begining starts to look off.
- in the beginning (meaning: at the start)
- from the beginning (meaning: since the start)
- at the beginning of (meaning: at the first part of something)
- the beginning of something (meaning: the first point or stage)
- just the beginning (meaning: only the first part)
Side-By-Side Comparison
Here’s the clean comparison. Beginning is the accepted spelling. Begining is what shows up when the double-n detail gets missed.
| Form | Status | Where It Appears | Example Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| beginning | ✅ Correct | edited writing, books, school materials, professional content | “We talked at the beginning of the meeting.” |
| begining | ❌ Incorrect | typos, fast messaging, unedited drafts | “The begining was exciting.” (spelling error) |
Why The Misspelling “Begining” Shows Up
Begining looks plausible because a lot of verbs form -ing without doubling a consonant. You see patterns like open → opening and visit → visiting, so the brain tries to treat begin the same way.
The catch is the sound pattern in begin: it ends in a single consonant after a short vowel, and the stress lands late. That’s the setup where English often prefers a doubled consonant before -ing.
It’s normal to see the misspelling in quick typing. Still, when the goal is standard spelling, the correct form is beginning (two n’s), not begining.
Nearby Words That Trigger Misspellings
These related forms can nudge spelling in the wrong direction if you’re moving fast. Notice how they keep the begin- core, but the endings change, and the eye can lose the double-n in beginning.
- begin (base verb)
- begins (third-person singular)
- began (simple past)
- begun (past participle)
- beginner (person new to something)
- beginning (noun / adjective / -ing form)
One more detail: beginning is also a common label for level (“beginning course”), while beginner points to a person (“beginner student”). Different words, different roles.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “begining” ever correct?
In standard English spelling, beginning is the correct form. Begining is treated as a misspelling in edited writing.
Why does “beginning” have double “n”?
The base verb begin follows a pattern where English often doubles the final consonant before -ing. That produces beginning with nn.
Is “beginning” a noun or a verb?
It can be both in practice. Beginning is a noun (“the beginning of the story”) and also the -ing form of begin (“the story is beginning”).
What is the plural of “beginning”?
The plural is beginnings. It often appears when talking about origins or early stages.
How do you pronounce “beginning”?
A common pronunciation is /bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/. The stress typically lands on the second syllable.
Does “at the beginning” mean the same as “in the beginning”?
They’re close, but they lean different. At the beginning points to a specific first part of something (like an event). In the beginning more often refers to an early period in a broader way.