I started brainstorming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started brainstorming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the initiation of a creative thinking process or idea generation. Example: "After reviewing the project requirements, I started brainstorming potential solutions to the challenges we face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

After spending a few days in Austin, which lost Uber and Lyft almost a year ago, I started brainstorming a post about how the city was doing just fine without either of the ridesharing giants.

TechCrunch

I started brainstorming the value of experiential learning and pushing people mentally and physically, like in the army.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In a flash of creativity, I start brainstorming my maid of honor speech for my best friend's wedding.

Huffington Post

A few years ago, when I first started brainstorming different ways to make money, or possible businesses to start, I felt like taking a can of bright red spray paint, drawing an X on a concrete wall and smashing my head straight through it.

Huffington Post

We started brainstorming and I ordered another Pinot Noir.

Huffington Post

"My colleague and I were playing golf one day and started brainstorming; this seemed like a great idea," said one of the organizers, Marius Kerdel, an IESE student.

The New York Times

When we started brainstorming the music video, I wanted to share the fun, care-free feeling that the song gives out," Spazzkid tells THUMP.

Vice

I said to Mick, 'How could we make a fusion?'" They started brainstorming and making phone calls and, six months later, Stewart, Jagger, Stone, Marley and Rahman converged in a Los Angeles studio.

The Guardian - Music

We started brainstorming.

The New York Times - Magazine

"So we started brainstorming".

The New York Times

They started brainstorming.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started brainstorming", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you were brainstorming about. Providing specifics enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I started brainstorming" without specifying the subject or goal of the brainstorming session. This can leave the reader wondering what exactly you were trying to come up with. Always provide context to make your writing clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started brainstorming" functions as a declaration of initiating a creative problem-solving process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and acceptable way to express the beginning of idea generation. It's used to convey the commencement of a thought process aimed at generating ideas or solutions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started brainstorming" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the initiation of a creative thinking process. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase serves to inform about the beginning of a process aimed at generating ideas or solutions. While it is acceptable in various settings, ensuring contextual clarity is crucial. For more formal settings, alternatives like "I initiated brainstorming" might be preferred. Remember to specify the subject of the brainstorming to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to brainstorm

Simply replaces "started" with "began", indicating a slightly more formal tone while retaining the core meaning.

I initiated brainstorming

Substitutes "started" with "initiated", which emphasizes the act of beginning more directly and is suitable for formal contexts.

I commenced brainstorming

Uses "commenced" instead of "started", adding a layer of formality and emphasizing the official or deliberate start of the process.

I kicked off brainstorming

Replaces "started" with the idiomatic "kicked off", giving a more casual and energetic feel to the beginning of the brainstorming session.

I set about brainstorming

Replaces "started" with "set about", focusing on the purposeful undertaking of brainstorming.

I got the ball rolling with brainstorming

Employs the idiom "got the ball rolling", implying the beginning of the brainstorming session with the intent to move forward and generate momentum.

I delved into brainstorming

Replaces "started" with "delved into", which suggests a more intensive and exploratory approach to the initial brainstorming.

I undertook brainstorming

Replaces "started" with "undertook", indicating a formal and intentional engagement in the brainstorming process.

I embarked on brainstorming

Uses "embarked on" instead of "started", conveying a sense of beginning a journey or project with brainstorming as the initial step.

I turned to brainstorming

Replaces "started" with "turned to", suggesting that brainstorming was chosen as a method or approach to address a problem or need.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I started brainstorming" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you could use phrases such as "I initiated brainstorming", "I commenced brainstorming", or "I "undertook brainstorming"".

Is it correct to say "I started to brainstorm" instead of "I started brainstorming"?

Both are grammatically correct. "I started brainstorming" implies a direct initiation of the process. "I started to brainstorm" suggests beginning the action of brainstorming, potentially with a slight pause or preparatory phase.

What does "brainstorming" mean in the context of "I started brainstorming"?

"Brainstorming" refers to a group or individual creativity technique by which efforts are made to find a conclusion for a specific problem by gathering a list of ideas spontaneously contributed by its member(s).

Are there any informal alternatives to "I started brainstorming"?

Yes, you can use more casual phrases like "I "kicked off brainstorming"" or "I got the ball rolling with brainstorming" for a less formal tone.