I began to consider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I began to consider" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you started thinking about something or contemplating an idea or decision. Example: "After much thought, I began to consider the possibility of moving to a new city for a fresh start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

After my initial rebuff, I began to consider his reasoning.

The New York Times

Recently I began to consider this question more seriously.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That was when I first I began to consider what my herd of disorderly totes signals.

The New York Times

At the age of 22, I began to consider my own mortality.

The New York Times

It was then that I began to consider new ways of teaching.

The New York Times - Science

On my way home, I began to consider how to frame my new mini-collection.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

I begin to consider the very slight possibility that the problem might lie not in the absence of an orange, but in my need for it.

Yale University

When I mentioned this, he said, "In the lull before the event — I won't say storm — I begin to consider how I might put a bit of emphasis here or there to get a good conversation going".

The New Yorker

But once I've had my fill of such simple pleasures, I begin to consider other means of cramming as much asparagus as possible into my diet before it disappears for another year.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I begin to consider, what do we all remember best upon the branches of the Christmas Tree of our own young Christmas days, by which we climbed to real life.

The New Yorker

I begin to consider how to tell Georgie when I get home.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I began to consider", ensure that the subsequent phrase or clause clearly indicates the subject or topic being contemplated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "I began to consider the implications of the new policy."

Common error

Don't use "I began to consider" without specifying what you started considering. Vague statements like "I began to consider things" lack clarity and reduce the impact of your writing. Always clearly state the subject of your consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I began to consider" functions as an intransitive verb phrase introducing a thought process. It signals the commencement of contemplation or deliberation regarding a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I began to consider" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the start of a thought process. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It frequently appears in neutral contexts like news and media, as well as academic and scientific writings. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly state the subject of your consideration to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "I started thinking about" or "I entertained the idea of". It is also important to notice the high frequency of this expression in News & Media and Academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started considering

Change of tense from past to present, implying an ongoing process rather than a completed action.

I began thinking about

Replaces "consider" with the more general term "thinking", broadening the scope of mental activity.

I started to think about

Combines the alteration of "started" with "to think about", indicating the beginning of a thought process.

I commenced considering

Uses "commenced" which is a more formal substitute for "began", suggesting a deliberate start to the consideration.

I entertained the idea of

Indicates that a thought or possibility was allowed into one's mind for consideration.

I turned my attention to

Shifts the focus to the act of directing one's focus toward a particular subject.

I gave thought to

Emphasizes the act of dedicating mental energy to a specific topic.

I started reflecting on

Introduces "reflecting", suggesting a more contemplative and thoughtful consideration.

I became aware of

Highlights the gaining of awareness, which then leads to consideration.

It occurred to me to consider

Implies that the consideration arose spontaneously or unexpectedly.

FAQs

What does "I began to consider" mean?

It means you started thinking about something, weighing options, or reflecting on a particular matter. It implies an initial stage of contemplation.

What can I say instead of "I began to consider"?

You can use alternatives like "I started thinking about", "I began thinking about", or "I entertained the idea of" depending on the context.

Is "I began to consider" formal or informal?

The phrase "I began to consider" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality often depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

How to use "I began to consider" in a sentence?

Use "I began to consider" followed by the subject or topic you started thinking about. For example, "I began to consider a career change" or "I began to consider the ethical implications of the research".