The children are eager to start the novel.
or
The children are eager to begin the novel.
Word Choice – What is the Difference Between ‘Begin’ and ‘Start’?
verbsword-choice
verbsword-choice
The children are eager to start the novel.
or
The children are eager to begin the novel.
Best Answer
Begin, when used as transitive verb, means "start, perform, or undergo the first part of an action or activity."
Start, when used as transitive verb, means "cause (an event or process) to happen", or "cause or enable someone or something to begin doing or pursuing something."
In "the children are eager to start reading the novel," start means "embark on a continuing action."