I began to notice

USAGE SUMMARY

"I began to notice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you started perceiving something. For example: I began to notice a strange smell emanating from the kitchen.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I began to notice things".

The New Yorker

"I began to notice things - the smell and the flies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I began to notice more skirmishes breaking out between people on Tahrir.

The New Yorker

After a few weeks, I began to notice an even bigger change in J.

The New York Times

I began to notice people waving; I couldn't figure out what the waving was all about.

The New York Times

At some point I began to notice that my pirouettes were less wobbly.

The New York Times

It was a few weeks into the routine that I began to notice her.

The New York Times

In college, he explains, "I began to notice a world beyond myself".

The New York Times

I began to notice how many fellow Larchmonters did their walking in the street.

The New York Times

I began to notice thongs where I hadn't seen them before.

The New York Times

After a while, I began to notice what wasn't being written about more than what was.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I began to notice" to introduce a shift in perception or awareness, often following a period of unawareness or routine.

Common error

Avoid using "I began to notice" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "I started to observe" or "I realized" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I began to notice" functions as an intransitive verb phrase indicating the commencement of an observation or realization. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly used to introduce a change in perception.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I began to notice" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to signal the start of an observation or realization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential overuse and consider related alternatives like "I started to observe" or "I began to perceive" to enhance your writing. The phrase enjoys considerable prevalence within authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started to observe

Focuses on the act of observing as the initial action, instead of noticing.

I began to perceive

Emphasizes the sensory or cognitive awareness that something is present.

I started to become aware

Highlights the gradual process of gaining awareness.

I began to see

More direct and simple, suggesting a visual or cognitive realization.

I began to detect

Suggests uncovering something subtle or hidden.

I started noticing

More informal and conversational, using the continuous form.

I came to realize

Focuses on the realization as a result of observation.

I grew to notice

Emphasizes a gradual increase in awareness over time.

I discerned

Suggests careful observation and judgment.

It dawned on me

Indicates a sudden realization or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "I began to notice" in a sentence?

You can use "I began to notice" to introduce a change in your perception or awareness of something. For example, "I began to notice the leaves changing color as autumn approached."

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

You can use alternatives like "I started to observe", "I began to perceive", or "I started to become aware" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "I began to notice" and "I started to notice"?

While both phrases are similar, "I began to notice" suggests a more gradual or prolonged onset of awareness, whereas "I started to notice" can imply a more immediate or abrupt start.

Is "I began noticing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I began noticing" is grammatically correct. It uses the gerund form of "notice" and is perfectly acceptable. It's similar in meaning to "I began to notice", with a slight emphasis on the ongoing nature of the noticing.