"Kdy začal psát tu knihu?"

Translation: When did he begin writing the book?

[BrianG1941]

I am afraid I don't agree with Paul. As a native english speaker i would use either to write or writing in this context to mean the same thing. "To write" together with "began" is in general usage in the UK.

[Paul440375]

Oh, ok, so "start" can be followed by either infinitive or gerund with no difference in meaning? Good to know :-).

[learninggerman]

"When did he start to write that book?" is wrong?

[Paul440375]

if you want to use the verb start, then it should be: "When did he start WRITING that book?"

[BrianG1941]

Sorry began to write is accepted. I noticed a t had found its way in front of he in my answer and i didn't notice it. Sorry Paul I also misread your post. Put it down to the vagaries of old age.

[Renardo_11]

Thanks; but not being a native speaker I am completely bewildered now. What's correct out of (start / begin) × (infinitive / gerund)?

[JakubCajthaml]

One year later, I suppose, Renardo_11, you probably have an answer, but for learners following in our footsteps, I'll answer:

As a native American English speaker, I would comfortably use both start and begin with either infinitive or gerund to mean the same thing. I think Brian G was saying the same thing.

Of course, if I were a MOD, I would refuse to accept the gerund form in this sentence because the infinitive form is used in the Czech. (I would be a nasty, mean and unpleasant MOD.) Of course, if I were a MOD, I'd also be frequently passed out in a corner with an empty wine bottle - broken in spirit by the demands of 400k+ users, and by the hundreds of translation variations to keep track of.

Merry Christmas to all, and three cheers for the MODs. If I knew how to deliver it, I'd buy you all a case of wine.