I started believing

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "I started believing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you began to accept something as true or to have faith in something. For example: "Until recently, I was uncertain about the potential success of this project, but I started believing in it after hearing about what the team has accomplished so far."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"I started believing in this old man.

The Guardian - Film

I started believing that I'm robust enough to take it.

The Guardian

And this is when I started believing him: "Sometimes it's rational to be irrational".

The New Yorker

"Once I started believing I could get outs with ground balls, then I used my defense".

The New York Times - Sports

"My biggest mistake would be if I started believing I knew everything.

The Guardian - Sport

"I started believing what I was hearing" — that the spread offense would not work in the SEC.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"When did I start believing,/That this is all I'm good for-/against my better judgement".

Huffington Post

Know when that gift is there, even when I start believing in myself, and knowin' I got it, there's still some challenges that are gonna come.

Huffington Post

I think I just started believing in Santa again?

Huffington Post

Now I've started believing it can bloom me more solidly into myself".

The New Yorker

"You know, I've started believing in my tennis more," Capriati said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started believing" when you want to express a change in your convictions or acceptance of an idea. It's a straightforward and easily understood way to convey this shift.

Common error

Avoid using "I started believing" when you mean you gained concrete knowledge. Belief implies acceptance without necessarily having definitive proof, while knowledge suggests a verified understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started believing" functions as a declarative statement expressing the commencement of a belief or conviction. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is commonly used in personal narratives to describe a shift in one's thinking or perspective.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started believing" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a shift in one's convictions or acceptance of an idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used in personal narratives, news reporting, and various forms of media to convey a change in perspective or the adoption of a new belief. While generally neutral in tone, the context can influence the specific nuance of the phrase. When using "I started believing", ensure that it accurately reflects a change in belief rather than the acquisition of factual knowledge. Alternatives such as "I came to believe" or "I grew to accept" can offer subtle variations in meaning, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I came to believe

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the arrival at a point of belief.

I began to have faith

Emphasizes the development of faith, which can be religious or secular.

I became a believer

Indicates a transformation into someone who holds a particular belief.

I grew to accept

Highlights a gradual process of accepting something previously doubted.

I was convinced

Implies that external factors led to the belief.

I developed a conviction

Highlights the formation of a firm belief.

I embraced the idea

Suggests an enthusiastic adoption of an idea.

I had a change of heart

Emphasizes emotional shift leading to new beliefs.

I shifted my perspective

Focuses on the change in viewpoint that led to belief.

I took it to heart

Implies emotional acceptance and belief in something.

FAQs

What does "I started believing" mean?

The phrase "I started believing" means that you began to accept something as true or to have faith in something, often after a period of doubt or uncertainty.

How can I use "I started believing" in a sentence?

You can use "I started believing" to describe a change in your convictions. For example: "I used to doubt the project's success, but "I started believing" after seeing the team's progress."

What can I say instead of "I started believing"?

You can use alternatives like "I came to believe", "I grew to accept", or "I was convinced" depending on the context.

Is "I started to believe" the same as "I started believing"?

Yes, "I started to believe" and "I started believing" are very similar and often interchangeable. The former emphasizes the beginning of the action of believing, while the latter focuses on the state of believing that began.