I began to speculate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I began to speculate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you started thinking about possibilities or forming theories regarding a particular subject or situation. Example: "After hearing the news, I began to speculate about the potential outcomes of the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Anyway, I began to speculate that he was in fact glancing in the direction of an entourage that consisted of his favorite stuffed animals.

The New Yorker

And I began to speculate what, if any, are the links - conscious or unconscious - between, on the one hand, the African diasporan world that I represent, and which has formed the bedrock of the subject matter that I have written about for more than 25 years, and, on the other hand, the world of contemporary Japan.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Being prone to look for favorable portents no matter how bizarre, I immediately began to speculate that the otter was a sign that our morning's quest for smallmouth bass would be successful.

The New York Times - Sports

It began to speculate in options on its own stock.

The New York Times

People began to speculate on how soon freedom would be obtained.

The Guardian

At one point, he began to speculate about how the altered poliovirus worked, before catching himself.

The New Yorker

As we sat, surrounded by the region's past, we began to speculate.

The New Yorker

In the absence of historical documents, musicians, writers, and philosophers began to speculate on the origins of their music.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He developed an interest in mathematics and physics and, while still a teenager, began to speculate on space travel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When the empty building began to undergo reconstruction, Wave Hill's art curator, Julia Waters, began to speculate about what living in the house might have been like.

The New York Times

A great deal of enthusiasm was generated by the initial successes, and people began to speculate on how soon freedom would be obtained.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I began to speculate" when you want to convey the initial stage of forming opinions or theories based on limited information or emerging evidence. It's suitable for expressing a shift from observation to interpretation.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "I began to speculate" in academic or formal writing. Opt for more precise terms like "I hypothesized", "I inferred", or "I posited" to maintain a formal and objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I began to speculate" functions as an intransitive verb phrase expressing the commencement of a mental activity. Based on Ludwig's data, the phrase describes the action of starting to form a theory or conjecture about something, reflecting an initial stage of cognitive processing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I began to speculate" signifies the start of forming a theory or conjecture, often based on limited or emerging information. Ludwig AI indicates that it is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. Although not very frequent, it finds its place in various contexts, primarily within news media and encyclopedic content. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the level of formality required, particularly in academic or business settings, where more precise terms might be preferred. The key is to ensure clarity and appropriateness when expressing the initial stages of forming your own opinions or ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started to hypothesize

Emphasizes forming a tentative explanation.

I commenced to wonder

Highlights a feeling of curiosity and inquisitiveness.

I turned to theorizing

Suggests a more systematic and structured approach to speculation.

I started to surmise

Implies forming an opinion or judgment based on incomplete information.

I found myself pondering

Focuses on the act of deep and prolonged thought.

I began to consider

Indicates the start of giving something attention.

I started to imagine

Emphasizes the creation of mental images or scenarios.

I began to figure

Highlights thinking or concluding about something

I started to guess

Suggests making a conjecture or estimate.

I began to suspect

Suggests having an idea of something without proof.

FAQs

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

Use "I began to speculate" to describe the onset of forming a theory or conjecture. For example, "Seeing the unusual weather patterns, I began to speculate about the effects of climate change".

What are some alternatives to "I began to speculate"?

You can use alternatives like "I started to hypothesize", "I commenced to wonder", or "I turned to theorizing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. See more at the "I started to hypothesize" alternative.

Is it appropriate to use "I began to speculate" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "I began to speculate" might be perceived as less formal. Consider using more precise terms such as "I hypothesized" or "I inferred" in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "I began to speculate" and "I began to wonder"?

"I began to speculate" suggests forming theories or conjectures, while "I began to wonder" indicates a feeling of curiosity or uncertainty. The former implies more active mental engagement in forming explanations. Check the definition of "I commenced to wonder" for more info.