TOEIC® question: Start vs. begin

[Spearhead]

Hi, in my TOEIC prep book there is this sentence:

When did you begin your new job?

Can I replace begin with start in this question? (When did you start your new job?)

Thanks
Olaf

[Jamie (K)]

Yes. Some people might think that start is less formal, but not enough to make a real difference most of the time.

[Shanthisethuraman]

Start(n) begin to do something or happen
or begin to operate, travel or move.
ex. When will you start from Chennai?
in verbs - an act of beginning or the point in which something begins.

Begin; carry out or come in to begin.
When did you begin do this business?
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[Torsten]

[Shanthisethuraman]

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Dear Sir

Thank you for your correction. "Where did you start this business?"

Secondly I will always talk Indian english only, because I am in India.

Thank you

S.Shanthi
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If you want Excellence,You must aim at perfection in our work.

[Hadeer]

Dear All,

Really I see no difeerence in usage and meaning between the two. I used to use them exchangeably.

Hadeer

[Shanthisethuraman]

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START VS BEGINS
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Verb "Start": If the situation is not yet done.

Ex: I have to start practising english fluency now.

Verb Begin is that you have done an activity before several times.

I have begun to practise listening exercise now.

S.Shanthi
_________________
If you want Excellence,You must aim at perfection in our work.