journey began meaning

Lao Tzu: 'The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.'

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

The quote by Lao Tzu, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step," encapsulates an essential and profound truth about life and achieving our goals. It emphasizes the significance of taking that initial step, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, as it is the catalyst that sets us on our path toward progress and transformation.At first glance, the meaning of this quote is straightforward. It suggests that any monumental endeavor, no matter how intimidating or daunting it may seem, must start with a single action. It reminds us that great achievements are not made overnight but rather through a series of consistent and deliberate actions taken over time. This quote serves as a reminder that every long and arduous journey is comprised of numerous small steps, each contributing to our overall progress.However, to truly delve into the depth of this quote, we can introduce an unexpected philosophical concept: the idea of the interconnectedness of all things. Building upon Lao Tzu's wisdom, we can explore the notion that our initial step not only sets us on our individual journey but also initiates a ripple effect, influencing the world around us.Imagine for a moment, the act of taking the first step is like dropping a pebble into a still pond. As the pebble breaks the surface of the water, it creates ripples that extend outward in ever-widening circles. Similarly, when we take that first step towards achieving our dreams, we create a ripple effect that can reach far beyond our immediate sphere of influence.For instance, consider the story of a young artist who decides to take that initial step and display their work publicly for the first time. Though they may feel small and insignificant in the grand scheme of the art world, their act of courage and vulnerability inspires someone who views their work. That person, in turn, becomes motivated to pursue their own creative endeavors, sparking a chain reaction of inspiration and creative expression.Moreover, the idea of interconnectedness can also be applied to personal growth and our impact on others. Volunteering our time or lending a helping hand to someone in need may seem like a small gesture, but its effects can be profound. By taking that single step, we not only make a positive difference in the lives of others but also cultivate a greater sense of compassion and empathy within ourselves.In essence, Lao Tzu's quote reminds us that no action is inconsequential. Every step we take holds the potential to create a ripple effect, both within ourselves and the world around us. It encourages us to be mindful of the choices we make and to recognize the power and significance of even the smallest actions.The concept of interconnectedness challenges us to acknowledge the immense influence our actions can have on the trajectory of our lives and the lives of those around us. It invites us to consider the profound interconnectedness that exists between individuals, communities, and the world as a whole.In conclusion, Lao Tzu's quote, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step," serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of initiating action and the power of individual choices. It reminds us that even the smallest step can start a journey of transformation and have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of others.By introducing the concept of interconnectedness, we are reminded of the ripple effect our actions can create. This philosophical idea adds a layer of depth and complexity to the quote, stimulating contemplation about the interconnected nature of our world and encouraging us to recognize the far-reaching consequences of our actions. So, let us remember to be mindful of the steps we take and the effects they may have - for the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, and that step can change the world.

Lao Tzu: 'Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.'

Thomas jefferson: 'whenever you do a thing, act as if all the world were watching.'.

Example sentences journey starts

A smile on a journey starts off something special.

As the saying goes, every journey starts with a single step.

But every journey starts at some point, and yours begins now.

And every journey starts with a single step.

My journey starts in a riverside town, birthplace, in 1776, of a physician.

Definition of 'journey' journey

Definition of 'start' start

Cobuild collocations journey starts, browse alphabetically journey starts.

• journey north
• journey of self-discovery
• journey south
• journey starts
• journey time
• journeyman baker
• All ENGLISH words that begin with 'J'

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Score: 0 / 5

Wordle Helper

Scrabble Tools

A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step

Meaning of “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.

This Chinese proverb means that a person must begin his or her journey to reach their goal or destination. It is a motivational proverb that expresses deep insight about determination and avoiding procrastination. It means a first step needs if we intend to finish a task or a thought on time . In other words, this expression tells that the great things commence with simple beginnings.

This proverb also stretches across two paradoxical phrases , ‘thousand miles’ and ‘single step’ while the emphasis is on a ‘single step.’ If an initiative is taken, the rest of the venture falls into place, and the mission starts. It also means that a voyage marked as a milestone starts with a single step. This proverb applies to a wide range of different circumstances where action needs to be taken for the completion of a task. Hence, in this saying ‘journey’ means a task/action and that it does not stay limited to traveling only. However, a step is an initiative or a starting point. A ‘thousand miles’ shows the longevity of a journey, while a ‘single step’ is an initial move. In other words, no matter how ambiguous the task is, how long the journey is or laborious the work is, a movement is always required to begin it.

Origin of “A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step”

“A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step” is a saying by an ancient Chinese philosopher. The original text is “A journey of a thousand li starts beneath one’s feet.”  Here li means distance. This quote was first used in Chinese classic text; Tao Te Ching attributed to Lao Tzu, a renowned Chinese philosopher. It was probably written between the 4 th or 6 th century.

Tzu’s powerful words have always been shadowed by renowned people. American President, John F Kennedy reintroduced this quote “A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” in 1963 about the first nuclear test ban agreement.

Examples in Literature

The journey of a thousand miles… by Ronnie James Corbin

“I’m pretty drunk right now , But my thoughts are clear enough to say, I believe in you. I believe in your dreams . I believe you can overcome your flaws. I believe you could write the masterpiece of our generation. You could cure cancer, bring world peace, and feed the hungry. You can show love. You can breathe your positive presence into the air. I want you to go forth and shine like the beautiful star that you are. Together we can demolish our egos. Start on the path to purity. They say the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, So hold my hand, and follow me, As I take mine.”

Ronnie James Corbin is an Ohio-based American poet wrote this poem for his sweetheart requesting her to join the poet to defeat every other thing, including cancer. The use of the first person and the second person to counter it balances the poem. The poem is a marriage proposal after the presentation of both figures. It gets clear in the third last line where the long journey is a long life, while the next line shows the invitation as “hold my hand”.

There Is No Easy Way (But There Is a Way) by Willie Nelson

Now that we’re back together the battle is half won We’ll try to save a part of yesterday I know it won’t be easy but at least we have begun There is no easy way but there is a way We both could use some understanding trust would help And the journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step And is love not worth the price we’ll have to pay There is no easy way but there is a way We both could use some understanding trust would help And the journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step And is love not worth the price we’ll have to pay There is no easy way but there is a way

Willie Nelson, a songwriter and poet, wrote this song to convey his colleague and beloved that they could start the relationship again as there is always a way even if nothing is easy. For this purpose, he has used this proverb as a repetition as well as a refrain in the last two lines of both stanzas .

Journey of a Thousand Miles My Story By Lang Lang and David Ritz

This is an autobiography of a Chinese pianist Lang Lang. He co-wrote the book with David Ritz to underline his hard struggle when moving from a western Chinese city to Beijing. It is not just the story of a pianist prodigy, but a family saga. The writer includes his whole family, who supported Lang Lang until his stardom. His father’s tireless struggle to make his song a star goes a long way. Therefore, the title of the biography shows the courage and sacrifice that a father has demonstrated to make his son a star.

Examples in Sentences as Literary Devices

Example #1: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and is finally covered after a time.” Here the proverb shows the journey that is covered only when a step is taken.

Example #2: “ He is an epitome of a journey of a thousand miles beings with a single step as he always takes a small step to do everything and completes it on time.” Here the proverb has been used as a metaphor as it shows the person as the model.

Example #3: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step is like a task that has many parts, and if a small part is done, it means the big task will be done too.” The proverb has been used as a simile as the use of “like” shows.

Example #4: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step forward or ends with a single step back.” This proverb also shows the use of a paradox a journey is of thousand miles, but it starts with a single step.

Example #5: “ A journey as long as a thousand mile begins with a single step” shows its use as a simile as it compares the longevity of a journey with a thousand miles. However, the proverb has been twisted a bit with the words “as long as”.

Related posts:

• Charity Begins At Home
• A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
• Miles to Go Before I Sleep
• All That Glitters is Not Gold
• A Bird in the Hand
• A Diamond in the Rough
• A Diamond Is Forever
• A Friend in Need
• A Penny for Your Thoughts
• A Man Who Is His Own Lawyer Has A Fool for a Client
• Achilles Heel
• Agree to Disagree
• A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned
• Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
• Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely
• Arms Akimbo
• Another Think Coming
• A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss
• All’s Well That Ends Well
• All Greek To Me
• A Sight for Sore Eyes
• As Snug As a Bug
• As Straight As a Die
• As The Crow Flies
• Away With The Fairies
• Baby Father
• Back Seat Driver
• Bane of Your Life
• Batten Down the Hatches
• Bee In Your Bonnet
• Barrel of Laughs
• Bell the Cat
• Bells and Whistles
• Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts
• Blind Man’s Buff
• Blood, Sweat and Tears
• Blown to Smithereens
• Bob’s Your Uncle
• Been There, Done That
• Bought The Farm
• Beggar Belief
• Bury The Hatchet
• Brownie Points
• Call A Spade A Spade
• Carry Coals To Newcastle
• By The Board
• By The Short Hairs
• Stick in the Mud
• Chinese Whispers
• Chock A Block
• Clod Hopper
• ‎Close Quarters
• Cloud Cuckoo Land
• The Bitter End
• Cold Turkey
• Wish You Were Here
• Comparisons Are Odious
• Common Sense
• The Weakest Link
• Tongue in Cheek
• Tooth and Nail
• Cook The Books
• We are not Amused
• Your Name is Mud
• Cool Britannia
• Country Bumpkin
• Crime Doesn’t Pay
• Touch and Go
• Two Heads are Better than One
• Willy-nilly
• Win Hands Down
• Wreak Havoc
• Cut the Mustard
• Cut To The Chase
• Dead Cat Bounce
• Dead Ringer
• Death And Taxes
• Tempest in a Teapot
• The Cat’s Pajamas
• Dollars To Donuts
• Different Strokes For Different Folks
• Don’t Go There
• Don’t Keep A Dog And Bark Yourself

Post navigation

• More from M-W
• To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Definition of journey

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of journey  (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

transitive verb

Did you know?

The Latin adjective diurnus means “pertaining to a day, daily”; English diurnal stems ultimately from this word. When Latin developed into French, diurnus became a noun, jour, meaning simply “day” The medieval French derivative journee meant either “day” or “something done during the day,” such as work or travel. Middle English borrowed journee as journey in both senses, but only the sense “a day’s travel” survived into modern usage. In modern English, journey now refers to a trip without regard to the amount of time it takes. The verb journey developed from the noun and is first attested in the 14th century.

• peregrination
• peregrinate

Examples of journey in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'journey.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Noun and Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French jurnee day, day's journey, from jur day, from Late Latin diurnum , from Latin, neuter of diurnus — see journal entry 1

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Articles Related to journey

8 Ways to Get Away From It All

Whether it's a jaunt or a junket, remember sunblock.

Dictionary Entries Near journey

journal voucher

journey-bated

Cite this Entry

“Journey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/journey. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of journey.

Kids Definition of journey  (Entry 2 of 2)

Middle English journey "a trip, travel," from early French journee "day's work, day's journey," from jour "day," derived from Latin diurnus "of a day, daily," from dies "day" — related to diary , journal

More from Merriam-Webster on journey

Nglish: Translation of journey for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of journey for Arabic Speakers

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day, tendentious.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More commonly misspelled words, commonly misspelled words, how to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-), absent letters that are heard anyway, how to use accents and diacritical marks, popular in wordplay, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), 9 superb owl words, 'gaslighting,' 'woke,' 'democracy,' and other top lookups, 10 words for lesser-known games and sports, your favorite band is in the dictionary, games & quizzes.

• Dictionaries home
• American English
• Collocations
• German-English
• Grammar home
• Practical English Usage
• Learn & Practise Grammar (Beta)
• Word Lists home
• My Word Lists
• Recent additions
• Resources home
• Text Checker

Definition of journey noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• They went on a long train journey across India.
• to begin/continue/complete a journey
• Many refugees made the journey alone.
• Did you have a good journey?
• the outward/return journey
• We broke our journey (= stopped for a short time) in Madrid.
• (British English) Don't use the car for short journeys.
• It's a day's journey by car.
• The average journey time is about 50 minutes.
• on a journey She took her sister with her to keep her company on the journey.
• journey from… Devizes is a two-hour journey from London.
• journey to… It is unclear why he embarked on his final journey to Vienna.
• (British English) I'm afraid you've had a wasted journey (= you cannot do what you have come to do) .
• (informal) Bye! Safe journey! (= used when somebody is beginning a journey)
• a business trip
• a five-minute trip by taxi
• a long and difficult journey across the mountains
• a tour of Bavaria
• the first expedition to the South Pole
• We went on an all-day excursion to the island.
• The children were on a day’s outing from school.
• We had a day out at the beach.
• a(n) foreign/​overseas trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition
• a bus/​coach/​train/​rail trip/​journey/​tour
• to go on a(n) trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition/​excursion/​outing/​day out
• to set out/​off on a(n) trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition/​excursion
• to make a(n) trip/​journey/​tour/​expedition/​excursion
• destination
• measures to cut the number of car journeys into the city
• He is planning a journey through Europe this summer.
• People were crammed onto ships for the dangerous journey across the Atlantic.
• Dawn was breaking as we set out on the last leg of our journey.
• Few people have made this journey and lived to tell the tale.
• He made the emotional journey back to the house he grew up in.
• He wrote a column chronicling his journeys around the Americas.
• Her search took her on an incredible journey across the world.
• The bus driver told us where to change buses for our onward journey.
• The bus journey from London to Athens took 60 hours.
• The journey continued in silence.
• The journey takes about five hours.
• They continued their journey on foot.
• They doubted that he would survive the journey to the nearest hospital.
• They were on a journey to the Far East.
• This is the story of the first astronauts and their journey into the unknown.
• take (somebody)
• be tired after a journey
• be tired from a journey
• a leg of a journey

Join our community to access the latest language learning and assessment tips from Oxford University Press!

• I was excited by the character's journey in the film.
• journey (from something) (to something) The book describes a spiritual journey from despair to happiness.

Other results

• Long Day's Journey into Night

Nearby words

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of journey in English

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

journey noun [C] ( TRIP )

• She gave the children some sweets to chew on during the long car journey.
• The journey was quite quick because the road was clear .
• I expect you'd like to rest after your long journey.
• We did the journey to Wales in five hours .
• The train journey took us through a valley past rolling hills .
• break-journey
• circumnavigation

journey noun [C] ( EXPERIENCES )

• advance the cause
• advancement
• formatively
• from A to B idiom
• progressive
• progressively
• punctuated equilibrium

journey noun [C] ( BOOK )

• absorptive capacity
• acquisition
• hit the books idiom
• mug (something) up
• non-academic
• recognition
• subspecialty
• swot up (something)
• uncredentialed
• around Robin Hood's barn idiom
• communication
• super-commuting
• transoceanic
• well travelled

journey | American Dictionary

Examples of journey, collocations with journey.

These are words often used in combination with journey .

Click on a collocation to see more examples of it.

Translations of journey

Get a quick, free translation!

Word of the Day

of or relating to birds

Dead ringers and peas in pods (Talking about similarities, Part 2)

Learn more with +Plus

• Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
• Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
• Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
• Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
• English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
• English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
• English–Dutch Dutch–English
• English–French French–English
• English–German German–English
• English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
• English–Italian Italian–English
• English–Japanese Japanese–English
• English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
• English–Polish Polish–English
• English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
• English–Spanish Spanish–English
• English–Swedish Swedish–English
• Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
• journey (TRIP)
• journey (EXPERIENCES)
• journey (BOOK)
• Collocations
• Translations
• All translations

Add journey to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

• Quote of the Day
• Picture Quotes

Journey Begins Quotes

Standart top banner.

Every journey begins with a single step.

Your journey begins with a choice to get up, step out, and live fully

The longest journey begins with a single step, not with a turn of the ignition key.

The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.

Realizing your goal, resolution, or transformation is a journey. Change, like any meaningful endeavor, proceeds sequentially through steps. The journey begins with the contemplation stage of specifying realistic goals, getting ready, or getting psyched. The planning stage is all about prepping. How exactly will I do this thing? At some point you will jump from preparing and planning to perspiring, the work of implementing the new, desired behavior. Getting there is wonderful, but we need to keep you there, which entails persevering through slips and, finally, persisting over time.

I'm the type of person that likes to dream big, and I've often found that every great journey begins with a dream.

According to the ancient Chinese proverb, A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Watch your step.

Sometimes journeys begin long before their first step is taken

The Day We Let Our Convictions Define Our Life Rather Than Our Insecurities, Our True Journey Begins.

The longest journey begins with a single step.

The journey begins, though, with understanding what it means to be a christian. To say you believe in Jesus apart from conversion in your life completely misses the essence of what it means to follow him. Do not be deceived.

The longest journey begins with a single step, not with the turn of an ignition key. That’s the best thing about walking, the journey itself. It doesn’t much matter whether you get where you’re going or not. You’ll get there anyway. Every good hike brings you eventually back home. Right where you started.

Since the moment of self-consciousness comes to a permanent end - and a new journey begins- is such a decisive stroke or milestone in the contemplative life, I can only speculate why so little has been said of this breakthrough; in fact , I may never get over the silence on the part of writers who say nothing about this second movement.

last adds STANDART BOTTOM BANNER

Send report.

• The author didn't say that
• There is a mistake in the text of this quote
• The quote belongs to another author
• Other error

Top Authors

Get Social with AzQuotes

Follow AzQuotes on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Every day we present the best quotes! Improve yourself, find your inspiration, share with friends

SIDE STANDART BANNER

• Javascript and RSS feeds
• WordPress plugin
• ES Version AZQuotes.ES
• Submit Quotes
• Privacy Policy

Login with your account

Create account, find your account.

The Journey Summary & Analysis by Mary Oliver

• Line-by-Line Explanation & Analysis
• Poetic Devices
• Vocabulary & References
• Form, Meter, & Rhyme Scheme
• Line-by-Line Explanations

Mary Oliver's "The Journey" first appeared in her 1963 collection No Voyage and Other Poems . The poem is about the importance of taking charge of one's own life and leaving behind negative influences. Despite being one of Oliver's more personal poems, and including references to real events in Oliver's life, many readers will identity with its themes of self-reliance and integrity. This has helped to secure its place as one of the most popular poems from one of America's most popular poets.

• Read the full text of “The Journey”

The Full Text of “The Journey”

“the journey” summary, “the journey” themes.

The Importance of Self-Reliance

Line-by-line explanation & analysis of “the journey”.

One day you ... ... bad advice —

though the whole ... ... at your ankles.

Lines 10-13

"Mend my life!" ... ... had to do,

Lines 14-18

though the wind ... ... was terrible.

Lines 19-22

It was already ... ... branches and stones.

Lines 23-26

But little by ... ... sheets of clouds,

Lines 27-29

and there was ... ... as your own,

Lines 30-32

that kept you ... ... into the world,

Lines 33-36

determined to do ... ... you could save.

“The Journey” Symbols

• Lines 6-7: “though the whole house / began to tremble”
• Lines 14-16: “though the wind pried / with its stiff fingers / at the very foundations,”

• Lines 25-26: “the stars began to burn / through the sheets of clouds,”

“The Journey” Poetic Devices & Figurative Language

• Lines 3-4: “though the voices around you / kept shouting”
• Lines 14-15: “though the wind pried / with its stiff fingers”
• Lines 17-18: “though their melancholy / was terrible.”
• Line 33: “determined to do”
• Line 35: “determined to save”

Extended Metaphor

• Lines 19-26: “It was already late / enough, and a wild night, / and the road full of fallen / branches and stones. / But little by little, / as you left their voice behind, / the stars began to burn / through the sheets of clouds,”
• Lines 31-32: “as you strode deeper and deeper / into the world,”

Personification

• Lines 1-2: “knew / what”
• Lines 3-4: “you / kept”
• Lines 4-5: “shouting / their”
• Lines 6-7: “house / began”
• Lines 7-8: “tremble / and”
• Lines 8-9: “tug / at”
• Lines 14-15: “pried / with”
• Lines 15-16: “fingers / at”
• Lines 17-18: “melancholy / was”
• Lines 19-20: “late / enough”
• Lines 21-22: “fallen / branches”
• Lines 25-26: “burn / through”
• Lines 27-28: “voice / which”
• Lines 28-29: “slowly / recognized”
• Lines 30-31: “company / as”
• Lines 31-32: “deeper / into”
• Lines 33-34: “do / the”
• Lines 35-36: “save / the”
• Lines 1-2: “you finally knew / what you had to do”
• Line 13: “You knew what you had to do”
• Line 23: “little by little”
• Line 31: “deeper and deeper”
• Lines 35-36: “to save / the only life that you could save.”
• Line 1: “One,” “finally,” “knew”
• Line 6: “whole,” “house”
• Line 7: “to,” “tremble”
• Line 8: “felt,” “tug”
• Line 9: “at”
• Line 15: “stiff,” “fingers”
• Line 16: “foundations”
• Line 17: “melancholy”
• Line 18: “terrible”
• Line 19: “already,” “late”
• Line 20: “wild”
• Line 21: “full,” “fallen”
• Line 22: “stones”
• Line 23: “little,” “little”
• Line 24: “behind”
• Line 25: “began,” “burn”
• Line 30: “kept,” “company”
• Line 31: “deeper,” “deeper”
• Line 33: “determined,” “do”
• Line 34: “do”
• Line 35: “determined”

Alliteration

• Line 15: “fingers”
• Line 22: “branches”
• Line 23: “But”
• Line 1: “knew”
• Line 2: “you,” “do”
• Line 3: “you”
• Line 10: “life”
• Line 11: “cried”
• Line 13: “knew,” “you,” “do”
• Line 14: “wind”
• Line 15: “with,” “its,” “stiff,” “fingers”
• Line 20: “wild,” “night”
• Line 28: “slowly”
• Line 29: “own”
• Line 31: “strode”

“The Journey” Vocabulary

Select any word below to get its definition in the context of the poem. The words are listed in the order in which they appear in the poem.

• (Location in poem: Lines 10-11: “"Mend my life!" / each voice cried.”)

Form, Meter, & Rhyme Scheme of “The Journey”

Rhyme scheme, “the journey” speaker, “the journey” setting, literary and historical context of “the journey”, more “the journey” resources, external resources.

The Poem Out Loud — Listen to a recording of Oliver reading "The Journey."

Oliver's Life and Work — Learn more about Oliver in this biography from the Poetry Foundation.

The Summer Day — Another of Oliver's best known poems, which similarly touches on the theme of taking charge of one's own life and happiness.

Mary Oliver and Amazement — An article by Rachel Syme about Oliver's legacy for the New Yorker.

Oliver's Obituary — Read Oliver's 2019 obituary in The Washington Post.

LitCharts on Other Poems by Mary Oliver

Good-Bye Fox

The Black Walnut Tree

The Summer Day

Ask LitCharts AI: The answer to your questions

• Weight Loss
• More conditions

12 min read

What is an emotional healing journey and why and how to start one

Written by Courtney Barber

Published: Feb 6, 2024

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Geralyn Dexter

Many people struggle with mental health or emotional challenges. Issues like depression , trauma, loss, chronic stress, and debilitating anxiety can seem insurmountable. Research suggests that moving through a healing journey is best done by developing trusting, positive relationships, and reframing emotional burdens with a focus on the ability to respond. So, what defines a healing journey? 

In this article, we cover:

• What a healing journey is

Reasons to start an emotional healing journey

• How to start an emotional healing journey
• The stages of emotional healing

What to expect from your emotional healing journey

• How long emotional healing takes
• Getting started

What is a healing journey?

While the term healing journey has a spiritual or metaphysical context for some, here we explore the concept of the emotional healing journey in the context of emotional well-being.

An emotional healing journey is a progression from emotional distress to increased overall emotional well-being. An emotional healing journey is different from a mental health or substance use recovery journey, but it can occur at the same time as mental health or substance use recovery. 

Emotional healing may be possible for some without using clinical treatment as a mode of healing, but many benefit from mental health counseling as part of an emotional healing journey. Talk to your healthcare provider about what’s appropriate for you. 

The healing journey is a process of transformation. There may be some growing pains. (Remember that a qualified clinical therapist can help with these feelings.) At the end of the journey, we’re not who we began as. We feel more at peace, more resolved, and whole.

You can start a healing journey for many reasons. Challenges like trauma, abuse, sexual violation, chronic illness or pain, heartbreak, mental health issues, or loss can feel almost unbearable at times. Emotional trauma can bring us to a crossroads where we have to decide how to proceed, whether toward self-destruction and despair or emotional growth and healing. 

For a survivor of emotional trauma, healing can take time. During this healing process, it’s essential to be patient with yourself. Remember that everyone’s journey is unique. There will be ups and downs along the way, but each challenge is an opportunity for growth. 

A licensed mental health professional can help you navigate this journey. If you need support, talk to your healthcare provider and get information on the type of therapist you need . 

How do you start an emotional healing journey?

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or simply seeking personal growth, embarking on an emotional healing journey can move you into deeper knowledge and understanding of yourself. An emotional healing journey is a process of finding ways to feel better, both physically and mentally. It’s like starting down a path toward personal growth and self-discovery. But where do you begin? 

The first step is to recognize that you need help. Recognizing that you’re unhappy, distressed, or burned out requires radical honesty but is a critical step toward opening your mind to positive change. Sometimes, we all need a little support and guidance from others. 

Seeking therapy or talking to a trusted healthcare provider can be a great starting point. They can provide you with strategies, tools, and resources to help you navigate your emotions and thoughts. 

What are the stages of emotional healing?

One of the most important aspects of an emotional healing journey is being honest with yourself. Take time to reflect on your emotions and thoughts. And don’t shy away from facing the difficult parts of your past. Key stages of the healing process include:

• Acceptance. Realizing that healing is needed. This starts with awareness, and it can take time.
• Self-assessment. Beginning to assess the past and how it’s impacting you today.
• Hope. Opening up to support from the right people and systems. 
• Vulnerability. As you begin therapy, journaling, meditation, or other internal work, you may feel uncomfortable feelings like sadness, grief, or anger.
• Healing. Beginning to understand which tools and skills can add health and vitality to your daily life.
• Strengthening support systems. As you do your healing work, you may release old connections and build new connections that more closely align with self-care and wellness. 

Healing isn’t just about addressing the mental and emotional aspects. It also involves taking care of your physical body. Engage in activities that make you feel good physically, such as exercising, eating nutritious food, and getting enough rest. Your mind and body are interconnected, so nurturing one positively impacts the other.

Throughout your healing journey, it’s important to build a support system. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. They can include a therapist, friends, family members, or even support groups where you can share your experiences and learn from others.

Your mental healthcare provider will provide you with the tools and support you need to reinforce your unique therapy goals . Some of these tools may include mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) , dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) , positive or strength-based coping tools, or medication support. 

The work of emotional healing can feel messy at first. Sometimes, it feels worse before you start to experience the positive benefits of self-healing. 

When you’ve experienced abusive situations, assault, trauma, or dangerous encounters, the wounds can run deep. You may feel anxious, overwhelmed, and even numb at times. Have hope, though, many people have traveled a road toward mental health recovery or emotional healing and found peace after trauma, loss, or chaos. Patience and dedication to the process are important. And if you’re not in therapy, consider getting professional help if you feel overwhelmed. 

As you learn to set healthy boundaries for yourself, you create a safe emotional space where you can heal and grow. This may involve setting limits on certain relationships or situations that cause you distress. Putting your well-being first lets you truly take care of yourself. 

Your therapist will help you figure out how to create a healthy support system that supports creating a safe emotional space, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care. 

How long does emotional healing take?

You may be wondering, how long until therapy works ? Although you may want to snap your fingers and complete the process, therapy takes time to have a real impact. And if you have a mental health diagnosis, therapy outcomes, and timelines will vary depending on your level of need and the complexity of your situation. 

While you may get some relief from just a session or two, it’s more likely to take some time to develop rapport with your therapist and to work through deeper issues in therapy. Research indicates that it takes 15 to 20 sessions for about half of mental therapy clients to experience relief. And it’s normal to feel a little better or worse at different times during this process.

What can help? It’s important to find a therapist that you trust. Try to choose a clinician you feel at ease with. Research shows that the therapeutic relationship is a major factor in successful outcomes. 

Licensed providers on Klarity provide personalized treatment. Find a provider that matches your needs and preferences.

Start your healing journey

If you’re thinking of beginning an emotional healing journey, get the support you deserve. Healthcare providers, safe and trusted family and friends, and a licensed mental health therapist can, together, create a supportive safety net as you stretch, grow, and heal. 

To get started, check out Klarity to find a therapist and secure an appointment within 48 hours. The first step can be scary, but don’t let that stop you. Your new life is waiting on the other side of your healing journey. 

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.

How we reviewed this article: This article goes through rigorous fact-checking by a team of medical reviewers. Reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the author.

Subscribe to our blog for the latest health insights and updates

Join our community of health-conscious individuals and gain access to valuable tips, expert advice, and the newest trends in healthcare.

Related posts

PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063

100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063

Mastering 'Began' vs 'Begun': A Comprehensive Guide to English Grammar

Unlock the secrets of english grammar with our in-depth guide on the correct use of 'began' and 'begun'. learn through examples, tips, and easy explanations to enhance your language skills., introduction.

English grammar, with its nuances and complexities, often presents a challenging landscape even for the most diligent language learners. Among the common pitfalls in mastering English is the correct usage of verb tenses and forms—a fundamental aspect that can make or break the clarity of communication. The verbs 'began' and 'begun', the past tense and past participle forms of 'to begin', are classic examples of such a challenge. Misuse of these forms can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and a less polished presentation of one's language skills.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of using 'began' and 'begun' correctly, offering clear explanations, practical examples, and easy-to-remember tips. Whether you are a language enthusiast, a non-native speaker striving for fluency, or just someone looking to brush up on your grammar skills, this article is designed to clarify these commonly confused verb forms. By understanding the subtle yet significant differences between 'began' and 'begun', you can enhance your communication prowess and navigate the English language with greater confidence. Join us as we explore the realms of English grammar, shedding light on these two pivotal verb forms and their correct usage in everyday communication.

Section 1: Understanding Verb Tenses in English

The foundation of mastering any language lies in understanding its verb tenses. In English, verb tenses are the backbone of effective communication, as they help to clarify when an action happens. Grasping the basics of these tenses is crucial before diving into the specific usage of verbs like 'began' and 'begun'.

What are Verb Tenses?

Verb tenses in English describe the time when an action or event occurs, whether in the past, present, or future. They are categorized into three primary tenses: past, present, and future. Each of these tenses can further be divided into aspects (simple, continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous), which give more detail about the action.

The Role of Auxiliary Verbs

To form some of these tenses, especially the perfect and continuous aspects, English relies on auxiliary verbs. Auxiliary verbs are helpers that modify the main verb to create a specific meaning. The most common auxiliary verbs in English are 'be', 'have', and 'do'. In perfect tenses, 'have' plays a pivotal role, as you will see in the usage of 'begun'.

Understanding the Simple Past Tense

The simple past tense is used for actions that were completed at a specific time in the past. It does not matter when the action happened; what's important is that it is not happening now. Regular verbs in the past tense usually end in '-ed', but English is filled with irregular verbs that don't follow this pattern, and 'begin' is one of them.

The Importance of Regular and Irregular Verbs

Understanding the difference between regular and irregular verbs is key in mastering the past tense. Regular verbs follow a predictable pattern, typically adding '-ed' to the base form. However, irregular verbs, such as 'begin', do not follow this rule, resulting in unique past tense forms like 'began'.

Section 2: The Verb 'To Begin': An Overview

Before we dive into the specific uses of 'began' and 'begun', it’s important to understand the verb at their root – 'to begin'. This verb is integral to the English language, commonly used in various contexts. Here, we’ll explore its meaning, its role in sentences, and its transformation across different tenses.

Defining 'To Begin'

The verb 'to begin' is defined as the action of starting something or initiating an event. It's a verb that denotes the commencement of an action, process, or time period. Its usage is versatile, applicable in numerous scenarios, from starting a book to commencing an important project.

Examples of 'Begin' in Different Tenses

To fully grasp the concept, let's look at 'begin' in various tenses:

• Present Simple: "I begin my work at 9 AM."
• Present Continuous: "I am beginning to understand this topic."
• Past Simple: "I began learning French last year."
• Future Simple: "I will begin my journey tomorrow."

These examples illustrate how 'begin' can adapt to different tenses, changing its form to fit the time frame of the action.

Section 3: The Past Tense – 'Began'

Having explored the verb 'to begin' in its various forms, we now focus on its simple past tense form – 'began'. Understanding when and how to use 'began' correctly is crucial for accurate and clear communication in the past tense.

The Simple Past Tense

The simple past tense in English is used to describe actions that started and finished at a specific point in the past. This tense does not require the help of auxiliary verbs; it stands alone. For regular verbs, the simple past is typically formed by adding '-ed' to the base form. However, 'begin' is an irregular verb, and its simple past form is 'began'.

When and How to Use 'Began'

'Began' is used when referring to a single event that occurred in the past. It signifies the initiation of an action that has already been completed. Here are some examples:

• "She began her career as a journalist in 2010."
• "The concert began at 8 PM last night."

Notice that in these sentences, 'began' is not accompanied by auxiliary verbs.

Examples in Sentences

To further illustrate, consider these sentences:

• "The meeting began promptly at noon."
• "He began writing his novel while he was still in college."

These examples show 'began' in action, marking the start of past events or actions.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A common error is confusing 'began' with 'begun', the latter of which should always be used with an auxiliary verb. Remember, 'began' never appears with auxiliary verbs like 'has', 'have', or 'had'.

Section 4: The Past Participle – 'Begun'

After understanding 'began', the simple past tense of 'to begin', it's crucial to explore its counterpart in perfect tenses – 'begun'. This section focuses on the usage of 'begun', how it differs from 'began', and its role in forming perfect tenses.

Understanding the Past Participle Form

In English grammar, the past participle is a form of a verb used in perfect and passive tenses. For regular verbs, the past participle is typically the same as the simple past form (usually ending in '-ed'). However, for irregular verbs like 'begin', the past participle takes a unique form – in this case, 'begun'.

Usage of 'Begun' with Auxiliary Verbs

Unlike 'began', 'begun' must always be used with an auxiliary verb, such as 'has', 'have', or 'had'. This combination is essential to form perfect tenses, which are used to indicate actions that have been completed at some point in the past or that were initiated in the past and continue into the present.

Examples in Perfect Tenses

Here are some examples illustrating the use of 'begun':

• Present Perfect: "She has begun writing her thesis."
• Past Perfect: "By the time we arrived, the movie had already begun."
• Future Perfect: "They will have begun their journey by tomorrow."

These sentences demonstrate how 'begun' combines with auxiliary verbs to form different perfect tenses.

Contrast with 'Began' Through Examples

Understanding the difference between 'began' and 'begun' is easier with side-by-side examples:

• Simple Past (Began): "The seminar began at 9 AM."
• Present Perfect (Begun): "The seminar has begun."

In the first sentence, 'began' stands alone to indicate a past action completed at a specific time. In the second, 'begun' works with 'has' to suggest the seminar started in the past and may still be ongoing.

Section 5: Tips and Tricks for Remembering the Difference

Mastering the use of 'began' and 'begun' can be challenging, but with some practical tips and memory aids, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of confusion. This section offers strategies to help distinguish between these two verb forms and use them correctly in your everyday communication.

Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Beg an for A ction: Remember that 'began' (with an 'a') is used for actions in the simple past. It stands alone, signaling a completed action in the past.

Beg un with an Auxiliary : 'Begun' (with a 'u') is never used alone; it always requires an auxiliary verb like 'has', 'have', or 'had'. You can think of the 'u' in 'begun' as standing for 'used with an auxiliary'.

Timeline Technique : Visualize a timeline. 'Began' is a specific point in the past, while 'begun' (used in perfect tenses) often spans from the past to the present or covers an action that was completed at an unspecified time in the past.

Common Errors and Misconceptions

One common error is using 'began' when 'begun' is needed, and vice versa. This usually stems from misunderstanding the role of auxiliary verbs in forming perfect tenses. Remember, 'began' is self-sufficient for past actions, while 'begun' always partners with an auxiliary verb.

Practice Exercises or Quizzes

Incorporate quizzes or exercises in your learning routine. Try converting sentences from the simple past to the present perfect and vice versa, paying close attention to the change from 'began' to 'begun'.

Navigating the complexities of English grammar can often seem like a daunting task, especially when dealing with verbs that have multiple forms like 'begin'. However, understanding the correct usage of 'began' and 'begun' is essential for clear and effective communication. This guide aimed to demystify these two forms, offering insights into their proper usage in different contexts and tenses.

We've explored the foundational aspects of verb tenses, delved into the nuances of 'to begin', and dissected the specific uses of 'began' and 'begun'. Through practical examples, tips, and memory aids, we've seen how these two forms play unique roles in expressing past actions and states in English.

Remember, 'began' is the simple past tense form used for actions completed at a specific time in the past, standing alone without auxiliary verbs. In contrast, 'begun' is the past participle that must always be accompanied by an auxiliary verb, fitting into perfect tenses to describe actions that have a connection to the present or an unspecified time in the past.

By mastering the use of 'began' and 'begun', you enhance your ability to convey precise meanings and nuances in your speech and writing. This is not just a matter of grammatical correctness; it’s about enriching your communication skills and expressing yourself with clarity and confidence.

As you continue your journey in English language learning, remember that grammar is a gateway to effective communication. Embrace the learning process, practice regularly, and don't shy away from seeking further resources or guidance. Your efforts in mastering these details of English grammar will undoubtedly pay off in your pursuit of linguistic excellence.

Discover a better way to learn English online.

Regular conversation practice is the key to fluency. There's no better way to build confidence, develop comprehension skills and an authentic accent. It's fun, effective and guaranteed to get you talking.

Start for free today. We've helped thousands of students learn a new language online and we can help you too.

Ayami Hamakawa

Radu Titirca

David Askill

John Barton

Sharyn Doherty

Daniel Moore

Get Started Today Bring Learning English to Life

Native teachers, great pricing, ultimate flexibility.

Sign up and take a free trial lesson with no obligation. No credit card required.

ENGLISH TOPICS

Learning english.

Get a free trial lesson with a native speaking online English tutor today.

Began vs. Begun: What’s the Difference?

Home » Began vs. Begun: What’s the Difference?

When speaking or writing English, using the past tense can be confusing. There are many types of tenses when referring to events that have already happened. To make matters worse, English contains many irregular verbs that are conjugated in ways that don’t immediately make sense.

This lack of consistency can (and does) lead to quite a few mistakes. One of the easiest mistakes to make is to misuse began and begun, which are two forms of the irregular verb begin .

In spoken English, the two words are often used interchangeably, but in academic and professional writing, knowing the difference between these words is important.

Began vs Begun: What’s the Difference?

What is the difference between began and begun? In this article, I’ll explain the differences between began and begun, use these words in a sentence, and demonstrate how to choose began or begun and use each correctly.

When to Use Began

Began is the simple past tense form of begin. It does not need any helping, or auxiliary verbs , like had.

So, while you might say,

• Gavin began to open the package.

You would not say,

• Gavin had began to open the package.

Began is never used with a helping verb.

When to Use Begun

You could say,

• Yasmin had begun to eat the cake.

But you wouldn’t say,

• Yasmin begun to eat the cake.

If you’re using begun, it needs a helping verb in order to be correct.

This brings us to the differences between simple past and past participles. Simple past tense describes things that happened in the past. The sentence “Gavin began to open the package” describes an event that happened in the past. The past participle describes something that happened in the past in conjunction with other events in the past.

“Yasmin had begun to eat the cake” describes one of a sequence of events. For instance, one could say,

• Yasmin had already begun to eat the cake by the time we sang to her.

As you can see, began is not used with a helping verb.

Begun , on the other hand, is always used with a helping verb.

Trick to Remember the Difference

If you find yourself confused, remember that begun rhymes with one, and since begun is a past participle, it needs one more word to go with it: a helping verb.

Summary: Begun vs. Began

Began and begun are two forms of the irregular verb begin.

Began is the simple past conjugation.  Began is not used with any helping verb.

Begun is the past participle form. Begun must always have a helping verb to be correct.

If you have trouble deciding which word to use, remember that begun rhymes with one and always needs one helping verb in grammatically correct English.

Being able to use each word accurately when speaking or writing signifies intelligence and professionalism. If you’re having trouble deciding whether to use began or begun, you can always revisit this article as a quick refresher.

Register to get your text revised right away for FREE ⚡

Today more than 1001 people got their English checked.

By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Terms of Service .

Get a FREE revision 🎁

Register a new account, welcome back, confirm your email.

Please click the link that we've sent to this address to post your question to our experts. Ok, I'll check my email

not your email? Change it now

Set a new email

Here you can set your new address email. Remember to use a valid email address. We will send you an email to confirm your account.

Facebook Login Discontinued

Unfortunately, the Facebook login method has been discontinued.

To access your TextRanch account, please click the "Reset Password" button below and input your Facebook Email. Our team will send you an email with further instructions.

If you don't remember your email, please fill out this form .

Your text is being reviewed by one of our Experts. We will notify you when your revision is ready.

Or wait in this page

Leave this page open, and your corrected text will appear as soon as it's ready!

You need to add a payment method to get our special promo ⚡

Enter your email below to get instant access to the first Chapter of our Ebook

Downloaded more than 1320 times today.

Add payment method

NOTE: Credits are valid for one year.

We're so happy that you liked your revision! Your feedback helps us improve our service. Want more FREE revisions ? 🎁

Step 1 out of 2!

Like us on Facebook by clicking the like button below:

Almost there!

Last step (2/2)

Share TextRanch on Facebook by clicking on the button below.

Congrats! You've just earned 3 credits!

Closing your account will prevent you from accessing your past revisions, and you will no longer be eligible for a FREE daily revision.

There is no cost to keep your TextRanch account, and we store all of your past revisions in a secure and private manner.

Help us understand

If we didn't meet your expectations, we'd really like to know more. Please tell us why you are closing your account:

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,026,573 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below. 2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors. 3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

📝 ️Notes for your editor

Let our editor help you, include background information, explanations of unusual words and special terms, or instructions about specific improvements you want.

"start a journey" vs "begin a journey"

Last Updated: April 12, 2024

start a journey

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

• Let's start our journey to the mountains.
• She started her journey around the world last year.
• The travelers started their journey early in the morning.

Alternatives:

• embark on a journey
• commence a journey
• set out on a journey
• kick off a journey
• initiate a journey

begin a journey

• We will begin our journey to the desert tomorrow.
• He began his journey with excitement and anticipation.
• The explorers began their journey with high hopes.

Thanks to TextRanch, I was able to score above 950 on TOEIC, and I got a good grade on ACTFL OPIC as well. + Read the full interview

I love TextRanch because of the reliable feedback. The editors' comments are helpful and the customer service is amazing. + Read the full interview

TextRanch has helped me to improve my written skills as well as to communicate more naturally, like a local English speaker. + Read the full interview

TextRanch is amazingly responsive and really cares about the client. It's the best online service that I have ever used! + Read the full interview

I started to use TextRanch when I began to learn English. It has been an awesome way to improve my English skills. + Read the full interview

I love that TextRanch editors are real people who revise the text and provide feedback – it makes it so personal. + Read the full interview

I sometimes wonder if my English expressions make sense clearly and TextRanch helps me a lot in such cases. + Read the full interview

TextRanch has been really helpful in improving the flow and repairing the structure of my sentences. + Read the full interview

“Faster than AI"

“This was very helpful and I personally think this site is the best."

“It was extremely thorough and very helpful!"

“7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

“In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

“Without textranch I would be stuck!"

“Accuracy and fast response. Personal comments from editor. Thank you."

“I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

“The fact that you can get reliable fast feedback on your texts."

“you guys are better than grammarly i'm being honest here"

“OMG! This is really good than any other text correction tools I've used so far. Highly recommend this."

“Very fast and accurate. thank you."

“I love this app because it's help to writing skills all of students ♥️"

“This was exactly the mistake I was looking for, the wording dind´t sound right at first. Better than grammarly!"

“The immediate help that I received was reassuring and very satisfactory. Thanks."

“this helps A LOT for my studies."

“Woow!! I would never have expected such precision! Thank you soooo much!!"

“Real Time Editor and not AI. Many Thanks."

“The very first thing excites me about Textranch is how much your editors care."

“The fact that texts are checked by human editors rather than by AI, etc. I appreciate this!"

“Feel welcome, immediate response, high quality feedback"

“This is the best app that I have ever seen"

“Quick response and got what I intend to say. Grammar correction is excellent because the meaning is retained."

“Excellent, I truly loved this textRanch for quick revision. This textRanch for quick revision is a 10/10 for me."

⚡️Ask our Editor now.

Fresh content for your texts, so you can be more professional.

estimated time: 30 minutes , directly in your inbox

Want to improve your English business writing?

More than 150,000 people like you receive our weekly newsletter to master their English skills!

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!

bottom_desktop desktop:[300x250]

Has Just Began or Has Just Begun: Past Tense vs. Past Participle

By: Author Susan Parker

Posted on Published: September 7, 2021

Choosing the correct phrase can be tricky, especially when words are very similar or expressed in different forms. The terms “began” and “begun” are two such words that can be challenging to master, especially when deciding whether you should say “has just begun” or “has just began.”

The correct phrase is “has just begun.” When using the helping verb “has,” a past participle must follow it to create the present perfect tense. This conveys that something has started but has not ended. “Began” is the simple past tense, which we use to describe an action that has started and finished. In contrast, we do not use “began” with a helping verb. 

This article will explore past participles such as “begun” and past tense verb forms such as “began.” We’ll also consider the differences between “began” and “begun” and how to correctly use each word in a sentence.

Meaning of Begin

Before we get into a discussion of “began” or “begun,” we should consider the root word of both, which is “begin.” 

“Begin” means to go into or start an action or process ( source ). Therefore, one must have a starting point to “begin.” “Begin” can also mean that something has arisen. Maybe a problem of some sort has come into existence. Consider the sentences below, which illustrate the word’s meaning. 

• The class will begin at 1:00. 
• The school year will begin on September 1st.
• Let the games begin!
• Dinner begins at 8 p.m. sharp.
• The issues begin when he doesn’t communicate with me. 

Began vs. Begun

“Began” and “begun” are both past tenses that we form from the verb “begin.” Both words mean an action has commenced, but what’s the difference between the two? 

“Began” is the simple past tense of “begin” and means something has started and finished. 

“Begun” is the past participle form of “begin,” and we use it in the perfect tenses together with the helping verb “have.” If something “has begun,” it has already started but not has yet to finish. 

Another example of past tense vs. past participle is eaten or ate. Click here for more information on this .

Simple Past Tense

The simple past tense is a way to describe something that happened in the past, before now. The word “began” is an example of a simple past tense verb. Consider the sentences below, which illustrate the use of “began” in describing a completed action.

• World War II began in 1939 and ended in 1945.
• Our test began at 11 a.m.
• The snow began to fall this morning; the roads are now white.
• Cars began to pile into the drive-in at 7 p.m.

The past tense of any verb will either be regular or irregular. For most verbs, you add either -d or -ed to present tense verbs. Below are a few simple past tense verbs:

• Push → Pushed
• Walk → Walked
• Grab → Grabbed
• Talk →Talked

Irregular past tense verbs do not follow any rules, so you must commit them to memory.  “Began” is an example of such an irregular past tense verb. Here are a few more examples of common irregular past tense forms: 

• Eat → Ate
• Fall → Fell
• Drink → Drank
• Forget → Forgot
• Drive → Drove

Past Participles

You will use the past participle in the perfect tenses to refer to completed actions. To create these tenses, we use a past participle together with a helping verb. We can also use them to form the passive voice, and they can sometimes function as adjectives ( source ). 

“Begun” is an example of a past participle verb. In order to use a past participle correctly in a sentence, a helping verb must accompany it. 

Here are some situations demonstrating how we could use “begun” in a sentence.

• She has begun writing her doctoral thesis.
• He has begun his medical training.
• Now that winter is upon us, the holidays have begun.
• The flowers have begun to bloom.

Regular past participles end with -ed, but there are many irregular ones too, such as “begun.” 

Some common irregular past participles would include: 

• Be → Been
• Choose → Chosen 
• Come → Come
• Drink → Drunk
• Fall → Fallen
• Forget → Forgotten

Past participles do not function on their own but often pair with a helping verb such as “to have” or “to be.” As we previously mentioned, “begun” is an example of a past participle that pairs with “to have” — for instance, when trying to say something “has just begun.” 

When Do We Say “Has Just Begun?” 

You might also ask what the meaning of “has just begun” is. It simply means that something has recently started, and it hasn’t finished yet. A similar phrase would be “has already begun.” If we say, “it has already begun,” then we mean something that has started before now.

When we use the construction “has begun,” we are using the present perfect tense. English has three simple tenses (present, past, and future) and three perfect tenses (present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect). Let’s consider the verb “to begin” in each of these tenses.

As you can see, we use “begun” in all the perfect tenses together with various forms of the helping verb “to have.” Past participles can only stand on their own when they act as adjectives; as a verb, they need a helping verb.

Meaning of “Just” in “Has Just Begun”

The word “just” is an adverb that commonly expresses time. It can mean now, recently, or soon. When we use “just” in the phrase “has just begun,” we mean “has recently begun,” as in the sentences below.

• At nine months old, Jack has just begun to crawl.
• Sarah has just begun to understand a bit of French.
• Oh no, it has just begun to rain! 
• Summer vacation is officially over; school has just begun . 

In other contexts, the term “just” can also add emphasis to a statement or describe something that’s the same ( source ).

• You look just like your dad. 
• I just can’t believe it. 
• That’s just great; my car battery died on the highway. 

All these examples using “has just begun” are in the present perfect tense. You will notice that using the helping verb “to have” means that we will use the present participle “begun” with it. 

Doing so will help if you are wondering if it would be correct to say, “has officially began” or “has officially begun.” Similarly, what about “holidays have began” or “holidays have begun”? 

In both these cases, we would use “begun” because both contain the helping verb “to have.” “Began” is a simple past tense verb and does not need a helping verb. We would therefore say:

• They will sing the national anthem to show the event has officially begun . 
• I feel the holidays have begun when I smell roasting chestnuts.

Helping Verbs

Let’s explore the role of helping verbs a little further. Their role is to help the main verb in a sentence by extending its meaning and adding detail. Helping verbs are necessary to complete the structure of a sentence, and we can also use them to express time in a sentence ( source ).

There are two types of helping verbs: auxiliary and modal verbs. 

Auxiliary Verbs

Auxiliary verbs accompany the main verb to show verb tense or add emphasis. One of the most common functions of the auxiliary verb is to establish the action in a sentence to a certain point in time. 

The most common auxiliary verbs are “to have,” “to be,” and “to do,” but there are many others. Auxiliary verbs can stand alone, but they give more information about time or mood when they appear with the main verb. For example: 

• I have begun to like him. 
• He was winning the race before he tripped.
• She has eaten so many donuts!

In these examples, the auxiliary verbs go together with the main verb to create “have begun,” “was winning,” and “has eaten.” They all provide further information about time.

Modal Verbs

Helping verbs that further modify the action or meaning of the main verb in a sentence to show obligation, possibility, or necessity are modal verbs. These verbs do not change form and include the following:

• Can: I can ride my bike with no hands.
• Could: I could come to see you today. 
• Might: I might see the doctor today.
• Will: I will fly home early from my trip. 
• Should: You should see a doctor if you feel ill.
• Must: I must see you right away. 
• May: May I buy you a coffee this morning? 
• Shall: I shall ride my bike to work today. 
• Would: I would love to see you tomorrow. 

Using “Begin” in Other Tenses

A verb tense indicates when the action takes place. Most verbs have a past, present, or future tense, meaning verbs can change form. You can change the form by simply adding a different ending or changing the spelling ( source ).

We know that the past tense describes something that has already happened. What about the present and future tense? 

Present Tense 

Simple present tense verbs are action words that express what is happening currently or something that occurs regularly in the present time. Here are some examples of “begin,” where it operates in the present tense.

• The sky begins to darken as night falls. 
• My patience begins to run thin as my kids continue not to listen. 
• You might begin to wonder what is going on. 
• The teacher begins her lesson today. 

Future Tense 

Simple future tense verbs describe things that are yet to happen, that will begin and end in the future ( source ). Here are some examples of “begin” in the future tense.

• The online class will begin on Tuesday.
• He will begin violin lessons next month.
• You will begin to understand if you do your homework.

“Begin” in Different Participle Forms

As there are different verb forms of “begin,” there are also different participle forms. 

Present Participle

A present participle is a verb ending with -ing that forms continuous tenses or functions as an adjective. Present participles typically convey current action. The verb “begin” becomes “beginning” when using the present participle form. Consider the examples below.

• The beginning of the school year is fast approaching. 
• She is beginning her college applications as the deadline fast approaches. 

In the first sentence, the participle functions as an adjective to describe the time in the school year. Sentence number two describes an ongoing action — she is in the process of starting her applications. This article was written for strategiesforparents.com. 

Perfect Participle

Another less common form of the participle is the present participle, which we form by combining the word “having” with the past participle. Perfect participles determine that an action was completed before the action in the sentence’s main clause ( source ), as in the examples below.

• Having begun the test early, she sat quietly, waiting for her classmates to finish. 
• She graduated early, having already begun her postgraduate studies.

Final Thoughts  

It’s essential to know the difference between past tenses and past participles so that we can use them correctly in both spoken and written English. Mastering when to use “begun” vs. “began” will help to clarify this further.

“Begun,” as a past participle, requires assistance from a helping verb. “Began,” as a simple past tense, stands alone to describe something that started in the past.

With some practice, you’ll be able to effortlessly use both “began” and “begun” in fluent English, and you will know that the correct phrase to choose is “has just begun” because the helping verb always accompanies the past participle.

Passover 2024 is here! When is Pesach? What is The Haggadah? A Seder meal? How to celebrate

Passover is nearly here and the Jewish holiday plays an important role in Judaism , according to myjewishlearning.com .

Only unleavened bread or "matzo" must may be eaten during the celebratory Jewish festival, according to britannica.com . Matzo symbolizes "the Hebrews' suffering while in bondage and the haste with which they left Egypt in the course of the  Exodus ."

Indiana election 2024: Everything you need to know about the primary

Here's what you need to know about Passover:

When is Passover 2024?

Passover begins at sundown Monday, April 22 and ends at sundown on Tuesday, April 30, in 2024, according to almanac.com .

What is Pesach?

Pesach is the Hebrew word for Passover, according to myjewishlearning.com . The name comes from the miracle in which God “passed over” the houses of the Israelites during the 10th plague.

What is the meaning of Passover?

Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the Hebrews’ liberation from slavery in Egypt, according to britannica.com . The holiday also recognizes the sparing of the firstborn of the Israelites − the “passing over” of the forces of destruction − when the Lord “smote the land of Egypt” on the eve of the  Exodus .

How is passover celebrated?

Passover is a ceremonious occasion to rejoice in Judaism, especially during the first family meal or Seder, according to britannica.com .

Foods of symbolic significance are consumed, while prayers and traditional recitations are performed. Strict dietary laws are observed and special prohibitions restrict work at the beginning and end of the festival.

How long is Passover?

Biblicial command dictates Passover last for 7 days, according to chabad.org . The festival begins on  Nissan 15 , while the first and seventh days are observed as  yom tov − a period when work is not performed.

IPS lawsuit: IPS sued after teacher's alleged 'fight club' discipline is exposed in disturbing video

When does Passover 2024 start?

Passover starts at sundown on Monday, April 22.

When does Passover 2024 end?

Passover ends at sundown on Tuesday, April 30.

What is The Haggadah?

The Haggadah is a book − meaning the "telling" − that is read during the Passover Seder, according to reformjudaism.org .

What is a Seder?

The Seder dinner is a Jewish ritual celebrated during the first two nights of Passover, according to myjewishlearning.com :

There are three fundamental patterns of the Seder − the family, the individual and the nation.

"The Seder permits Jews to worship God through prayer, study and learning by taking part in what is essentially a lesson of Jewish history, literature and religion. Participation in the seder lets one symbolically and vicariously relive the Exodus," the website states.

When is the first Seder of 2024 Passover?

The first Passover Seder begins at sundown on Monday, April 22, according to myjewishlearning.com.

When is the second Seder of 2024 Passover?

The second Passover Seder is Tuesday, April 23, according to myjewishlearning.com.

What are the 6 parts of a Seder plate?

The six parts of a Seder plate include beitzah, charoset, chazeret, karpas, maror and zeroa, according to reformjudaism.org .

What is beitzah in Passover Seder?

The word literally means “egg,” according to reformjudaism.org . The Passover Seder plate item represents the Passover sacrifice from biblical times and symbolizes the spring season.

What is charoset in Passover Seder?

A part of the Passover Seder consisting of fruits, nuts, spices and wine, according to reformjudaism.org . The color and consistency reminds Jews of the bricks and mortar used by Israelite slaves.

What is chazeret in Passover Seder?

A vegetable − usually romaine lettuce − that is used in addition to maror on the Seder plate, according to reformjudaism.org .

What is karpas in Passover Seder?

Karpas is a green herb or vegetable − such as parsley, celery or watercress − which symbolizes spring and rebirth as part of the Passover Seder, according to reformjudaism.org .

What is maror in Passover Seder?

The word literally means "bitter," according to reformjudaism.org . Maror is the bitter herb or vegetable − such as horseradish − that symbolizes "the bitter plight of enslaved Israelites" for the Passover Seder.

What is zeroa in Passover Seder?

Zeroa is the shank bone "symbolizing the Paschal lamb offered as the Passover sacrifice in biblical times," according to reformjudaism.org . Chicken neck is a common substitute, as is beets for vegetarians.

Chris Sims is a digital content producer at Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter:  @ChrisFSims .

The Olympic Torch Relay Began in Nazi Germany

After a torch-lighting ceremony this week, the Olympic flame began its long journey from Olympia to Paris

Daily Correspondent

Anticipation is building ahead of the Summer Olympics , which are set to begin in Paris in late July. But long-standing Olympic traditions are already underway: This week, the Olympic flame was lit during a choreographed ceremony in Olympia, Greece. The torch is now making its way to Paris, where it will arrive in time for the opening ceremony on July 26.

The history of the tradition is complicated. While it was inspired by ancient Greek practices, the relay was first held in Germany, where the Nazis employed it as a propaganda tool. Today, these dark roots are no longer associated with the event, which is meant to “represent the host country and the spirit of the Games,” according to the International Olympic Committee . The connection to ancient Greek traditions remains. 

At Tuesday’s torch-lighting ceremony, actors dressed in long black and white gowns gathered in front of spectators. Greek actor Mary Mina, who performed the role of “high priestess,” lit the torch in front of the ruins of the temple of Hera. (Traditionally, a parabolic mirror is used to kindle the fire by concentrating the sun’s rays. But because the weather was overcast, Mina used a backup flame from a fuel-filled torch instead.)

Mina then lit a torch held by Greece’s Olympic rowing champion, Stefanos Ntouskos. He passed the fire over to Laure Manaudou, France’s three-time Olympic medalist in swimming, who then transferred it to Margaritis Schinas, vice president of the European Commission.

The Olympic flame for #Paris2024 is lit! #Paris2024 | @Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/1odw4ga9G0 — The Olympic Games (@Olympics) April 16, 2024

From there, the flame began its 11-day relay across Greece. This will end on April 26 at Athens’  Panathenaic Stadium , which hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896. After spending the night at the French Embassy in Athens, it will be carried onboard the Belem , a three-masted ship that dates to 1896, for a journey across the Mediterranean.

It’s scheduled to arrive in Marseille, France, on May 8. The next day, a runner will take the flame to the top of the Velodrome stadium, according to Reuters ’ Karolos Grohmann. From there, the torch will go on a 68-day relay through France, ending in Paris at the start of the Games.

While simply lighting the torch in Paris would be easier, the “pageantry at Olympia” provides an “ineluctable link between the modern event and the ancient Greek original on which it was initially modeled,” as Nicholas Paphitis writes for the  Associated Press .

The ancient Olympic Games began in 776 B.C.E. in Olympia. They took place every four years until around 393 C.E., when they were banned by the Roman emperor  Theodosius I , a Christian who viewed them as a type of pagan celebration. 

But while the torch-lighting ceremony draws inspiration from ancient Greece, its history is more closely connected to Nazi Germany . In 1931, the International Olympic Committee awarded the upcoming 1936 Games to Berlin. When Adolf Hitler became Germany’s chancellor in 1933, he initially didn’t want to host the Summer Olympics, describing the Games as “an invention of Jews and Freemasons,” according to  History.com . He later changed his mind when he realized the Olympics would shine an international spotlight on the Nazi party.

The torch relay was the brainchild of  Carl Diem , the primary organizer of the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, who imagined a parade of more than 3,000 runners carrying a flame from Olympia all the way to Berlin. Diem was not a member of the Nazi party—but the Nazis made his vision a reality.

“Whether or not Diem meant it to, a torch relay fit neatly within Nazi propaganda,” wrote Max Fisher for the Atlantic in 2012. “Beginning the relay in Greece and ending it roughly 1,500 miles away in Berlin reinforced the idea of a shared Aryan heritage between the ancient power and the new one.”

Director Leni Riefenstahl filmed the lighting ceremony on July 20, 1936, for a propaganda film called Olympia . However, she was unhappy with the ceremony’s aesthetics and staged a second one after the Games ended.

The ancient Greeks performed similar rituals at other events but did not stage a torch relay for the Olympics.

“To the ancient Greeks, fire was a sacred element, and perpetual fires were maintained in front of their main temples,” according to  Olympics.com . “During the ancient Olympic Games, a flame burned permanently on the altar of the sanctuary of the goddess Hestia; additional fires were lit at the temples of Zeus and Hera.”

The modern torch relay, meanwhile, has evolved over the years. Since its debut in 1936, the torch has embarked on increasingly complex journeys. It reached the  summit of Mount Everest in 2008, and it even went on a spacewalk outside the International Space Station in 2013.

Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.

Sarah Kuta | READ MORE

Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. She covers history, science, travel, food and beverage, sustainability, economics and other topics.

When does 'old age' begin? Public perception may be skewing later

How old is considered old?

The answer to that question appears to be changing as people live longer, retire later and maintain higher levels of physical and mental health into their older years.

A study published Monday suggests that people in their mid-60s believe old age starts at 75 — but the older people get, the later they think it begins. 

The research, published in the American Psychological Association’s Psychology and Aging journal, examined data from around 14,000 participants in the German Aging Survey, which studies old age as a stage of life in Germany. The participants were born between 1911 and 1974 and entered the survey at ages 40 to 85.

The people studied reported their perceptions of old age up to eight times over 25 years. For every four to five years that passed, participants reported that old age started a year later compared to their last assessment.

Participants who were born earlier — from 1911 to 1935 — thought that old age started earlier compared with participants born after 1935. 

“Our perceptions or conceptions of old age are obviously shifting across historical time. People nowadays who are in midlife or who are older adults believe that old age begins later than did their peers 10 or 20 years ago,” said Markus Wettstein, the study’s lead author and a psychologist at Humboldt University of Berlin.

Wettstein said the change could be due, in part, to increases in life expectancy: German life expectancy is around 81 years at birth , up from 71 years in 1974. Many people in Germany are also living healthier lives for longer. Studies have shown improvements in heart health , cognitive abilities and overall quality of life in the country's older population over time.

“People who feel younger also believe that old age starts later,” Wettstein said.

Participants in the study who were lonelier, had more chronic diseases or reported being in poorer health were more likely to believe that old age started earlier.

Women, on average, thought that old age started around 2.4 years later than men did.

However, Jacqui Smith, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan who was not involved in the research, cautioned that the results may not apply to other countries, since cultural views of aging and historical trends vary between communities. In the U.S., for instance, life expectancy declined during the Covid pandemic, from 79 years in 2019 to 76 in 2021 — whereas Germany's life expectancy has been fairly consistent since 2014.

Still, Smith said, the study offers insight into how people's perspectives on aging change as they get older.

“A lot of the work that we see in the literature is only taking a single snapshot of this phenomenon, a single point in time,” she said. “What this study is adding is that it’s comparing different people who were born at different times who’ve clearly gone through many different historical changes in their life.”

John Rowe, a professor of health policy and aging at Columbia University, said he found the results encouraging.

“I would say that this confirms in a very strong way, at least in Germany, that 70 is the new 60,” said Rowe, who also wasn’t involved in the study.

He theorized that people may be starting to shed some negative stereotypes about older people and view them instead as more capable or agile than in the past. However, both Rowe and Wettstein also said that some people in the study may have deliberately excluded themselves from the old age category because they saw it as undesirable.

“Some people have such a negative views of the elderly that they don’t want to be associated with them,” Rowe said. “So if they’re 70 years old, they’ll say old age begins at 75. And when they get to 75, they’ll say old age begins at 80.”

Of course, age doesn’t always correlate with health status.

“We can’t equate any sort of general transition in age to the way that people are actually functioning,” Smith said.

However, people’s perceptions of aging could affect their health.

Past research has shown that negative beliefs about getting older are linked to higher stress levels , which in turn may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Studies have conversely shown that people with positive views of aging are less likely to develop dementia and tend to live longer than people with more negative views of aging. 

People who see themselves as younger than their actual age have also exhibited slower memory declines , better cognitive performance and reduced symptoms of depression , while people who perceive themselves as older have a higher risk of mortality .

Aria Bendix is the breaking health reporter for NBC News Digital.

Katie Mogg is an intern at NBC News.

When is Earth Day 2024? How the day raises awareness about climate change, our environment

Earth day started over 50 years ago, on april 22, 1970, and the celebrations are still going strong..

Earth Day is today. But what does the day even mean? Here's what you need to know about the annual commemoration and how to celebrate our planet while fighting climate change .

"For me, every day is Earth Day," Leila Yassine, Rainforest Alliance's global advocacy engagement manager, told USA TODAY. "But I think it's really important to have this Earth Day as a yearly wake-up call for everyone."

She goes on to say that the day itself brings attention to organizations that are working to bring attention to climate change and what folks can do to help the Earth recover.

Earth Day 2024: In honor of Earth Day, today's Google Doodle takes us on a trip around the world

When is Earth Day?

Earth Day falls on April 22 every year. This year, however, it falls on a Monday and shares the date with the start of the Jewish holiday, Passover.

The day has been celebrated for over 50 years, but isn't federally recognized, as previously reported by USA TODAY .

Why do we celebrate Earth Day?

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 when 20 million people went to inaugural events at schools, universities and other public areas around the country, according to the Library of Congress's website .

Senator Gaylord Nelson advocated for Earth Day and called on "students to fight for environmental causes and oppose environmental degradation with the same energy that they displayed in opposing the Vietnam War," states the library.

Then, the library adds, in July of 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency was created after the public demanded cleaner water, air and land as more disasters caused by climate change and pollution impacted the country.

How can we celebrate Earth Day 2024?

Yassine said her favorite way to celebrate Earth Day is by taking a walk through nature.

"It just reminds us how the earth is beautiful and how nature is powerful," said Yassine. "So I think for me this is a way of celebrating Earth Day."

But, she adds that it isn't the only way to celebrate Earth Day, and there are simple things folks can do, too.

She said people can do something as small as going to the grocery store and buying sustainable produce.

Since Earth Day falls on a Monday, it can also be celebrated by participating in Meatless Monday. The movement, according to its website, was started in 2003 by Sid Lerner, with the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future. It aimed to reduce the amount of meat in one's diet to improve health and the health of the planet.

According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine , a more plant-based diet would not only improve environmental health, but human health too.

But, if that's not your cup of tea, there's always the option to go to a local park, beach clean-up or attend an Earth Day event in your area.

"Everyday actions count," said Yassine. "Fighting climate change doesn't always require that we have ground-breaking innovation or technology."

Folks can also research news regarding climate change and the work that needs to be done. But, Yassine says it's important to look at positive news regarding the situation, too.

Have a positive outlook on Earth Day 2024

According to Yassine, sharing positive news about the climate crisis and avoiding doom-scrolling on social media can encourage others to tackle the issue and keep folks optimistic about the future of the climate crisis.

No matter how one chooses to celebrate Earth Day or fight against climate change, Yassine said it's important to stay positive about the future.

"Share ideas and this will really cultivate collective optimism," she said. "It's like you have little seeds and then you're feeding it. You're feeding it until gives you this beautiful tree of hope."

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture.   You can follow her on  X, formerly known as Twitter ,  Instagram  and  TikTok : @juliamariegz

Advertisement

Three Takeaways From the Pennsylvania Primaries

A liberal Pittsburgh-area congresswoman turned away a centrist challenger, Nikki Haley kept ringing up votes against Donald Trump, and a Senate race began in earnest.

• Share full article

By Chris Cameron and Anjali Huynh

• April 23, 2024

With the 2024 primary season entering the homestretch — and the presidential matchup already set — hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians cast their ballots on Tuesday in Senate and House contests as well as for president and local races.

President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump, who had been heading toward a 2020 rematch for months before securing their parties’ nominations in March, scored overwhelming victories in their primaries, facing opponents who had long since dropped out of the race. But Nikki Haley, Mr. Trump’s former rival in the Republican primaries, still took more than 155,000 votes across the state. That exceeds the margin of 81,660 votes by which Mr. Biden won the state in the 2020 election .

In the past two weeks, Mr. Biden has had the campaign trail largely to himself while Mr. Trump sits in a Manhattan courtroom for a felony criminal trial related to a 2016 campaign sex scandal cover-up. Wednesday, however, is a day off from the proceedings.

Mr. Biden plans to deliver remarks today at a conference for North America’s Building Trades Unions, an umbrella labor group. Vice President Kamala Harris will be in New York today to record an interview with Drew Barrymore for her television talk show. Tomorrow, Mr. Biden will head to Syracuse, N.Y., for a White House event, while Mr. Trump will head back to court.

In Pennsylvania on Tuesday, a long-awaited Senate matchup was officially set, as David McCormick and Senator Bob Casey won their uncontested primaries.

And Representative Summer Lee, a progressive first-term Democrat, fended off a moderate challenger who had opposed her criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza. While Mr. Biden has faced protest votes in a number of states, Ms. Lee’s race was one of the first down-ballot tests of where Democrats stand on the war.

Here are three takeaways.

‘Scranton Joe’ Biden sails to victory. Trump meets resistance from Haley holdouts.

Mr. Biden, who grew up in Scranton, Pa., took 93 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary, scoring a yawning lead in a key battleground state. Representative Dean Phillips, who was on the ballot but dropped out of the race last month, got nearly 7 percent of the vote.

Mr. Trump also notched a decisive primary victory, but many Republican voters continued to express their discontent with the former president. At least 155,000 registered Republican voters cast ballots for Ms. Haley, who had been Mr. Trump’s chief rival in the primaries before dropping out of the race last month.

Ms. Haley, the former South Carolina governor, did not endorse Mr. Trump in exiting the race, and the Pennsylvania vote reflected his continuing difficulties in wooing her supporters and in fully winning over the Republican electorate. Ms. Haley won small but significant protest votes this month in G.O.P. primaries in Wisconsin , Rhode Island , Connecticut and New York , capturing at least 10 percent of the vote in each state.

Mr. Trump has shown little interest in winning Ms. Haley’s endorsement and has made few attempts to reach out to her supporters. It remains unclear whether his decision to bypass any reconciliation with Ms. Haley will matter as November approaches.

The results on Tuesday suggest that Mr. Biden is on surer footing with the Democratic base in Pennsylvania compared with other battleground states, like Michigan, where the president has faced significant numbers of protest votes focusing on his handling of the war in Gaza.

What to Make of the ‘Zombie Vote’ Against Donald Trump

Votes for dropout candidates, such as Nikki Haley, have been features of past election cycles, too.

The Haley vote suggests Mr. Trump may have some work to do to bring her voters back to his side in the fall.

A progressive Democrat fended off a challenge that focused on her criticism of Israel’s military campaign.

Ms. Lee, a first-term progressive Democrat who represents a Pittsburgh-area district, was an early critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, where about 34,000 people have died since the war began six months ago. Ms. Lee’s stances against Israel’s military campaign drew a primary challenge from Bhavini Patel, a moderate Democrat who opposed Ms. Lee’s approach on the war.

But Ms. Lee emerged victorious, suggesting that public sentiment on the war, particularly among Democrats, has shifted significantly against Israel in the six months since the war began.

Trump shut McCormick out of his first Senate run. Now they share the Republican ticket.

Mr. McCormick won an unopposed Republican primary for Senate in Pennsylvania, pitting him against Mr. Casey, the Democratic incumbent. While Mr. McCormick had no rivals this time around, his victory represents something of a redemption arc after his defeat in his first Senate primary run in the state in 2022.

He is positioned with the best chance yet for Republicans to unseat Mr. Casey, an 18-year incumbent who has previously sailed to re-election. He defeated his previous Republican opponent in 2018 by 13 points , and an analysis by the Cook Political Report rates the race as leaning toward the Democrats.

Mr. Trump helped sink Mr. McCormick’s first run when he backed a rival candidate, the celebrity physician Dr. Mehmet Oz . In a race that hung on a knife’s edge, Mr. Trump’s backing of Dr. Oz, and his scorching attacks against Mr. McCormick, proved decisive — Dr. Oz eked out a win by fewer than a thousand votes.

Mr. McCormick has earned the endorsement of Mr. Trump for the coming battle against Mr. Casey, and they will share adjoining places at the top of Pennsylvania’s ballot in November.

Chris Cameron covers politics for The Times, focusing on breaking news and the 2024 campaign. More about Chris Cameron

Anjali Huynh , a member of the 2023-24 Times Fellowship class based in New York, covers national politics, the 2024 presidential campaign and other elections. More about Anjali Huynh

Our Coverage of the 2024 Election

Presidential Race

Even after Nikki Haley dropped out of the Republican presidential primary, nearly 20 percent of G.O.P. primary voters have cast ballots for someone other than Donald Trump. Here’s what to make of the “zombie vote”  against Trump.

From the courts to the campaign trail , Trump is challenging a hallmark of American-style democracy : its suspicion of concentrated power.

President Biden has homed in on an infamous moment  of Trump’s, which crystallized the chaos of the Trump presidency, by trolling his political opponent.

Other Key Races

With the 2024 primary season entering the homestretch — and the presidential matchup already set — hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians  cast their ballots  in Senate and House contests  as well as for president and local races. Here are the takeaways .

David McCormick  won an unopposed Republican primary for Senate  in Pennsylvania, securing the party’s nomination two years after former Trump torpedoed his first Senate run by backing his primary rival, the celebrity physician Dr. Mehmet Oz.

Representative Summer Lee, a first-term progressive Democrat, won her primary contest  in western Pennsylvania, fending off a moderate challenger in a race that centered on her stance on the war in Gaza .