I started checking out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started checking out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that you began to explore or investigate something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I started checking out some new restaurants in the area to find a good place for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I started checking out great movies.

The Guardian - Film

Meanwhile, I started checking out the so-called secondary, or resale, market.

The New York Times - Tech

After the formal correction was published, I started checking out comments I had picked up in discussions earlier in that week with puzzled newspaper editors who had been involved in the two recount projects.

The New York Times

I started checking out other industrial areas.

Vice

Refusing to pay that much to keep Clare at her ALR, I started checking out nursing homes.

Huffington Post

I started checking out his table, stealing glances, mentioning his name in conversation and not quite believing that my weatherman was sitting a table away.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Only recently, after seeing them on the Railroad Revival Tour, did I start checking out other songs and albums.

Huffington Post

So I changed my course and started checking out really sexist material to see what's there.

Huffington Post

"It was almost the day I signed to XL that they started checking out," Banks complained to Self-Titled magazine in 2012.

The Guardian - Music

When the young guys started winning races, the older guys started checking out their equipment".

The New York Times - Sports

In his spare time, he has also started checking out student funding options.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started checking out", consider the context. If you need to convey a more formal tone, substitute it with phrases like "I began investigating".

Common error

Avoid using "I started checking out" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional language to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started checking out" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an exploratory action. It typically introduces the subject of investigation or interest. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started checking out" is deemed grammatically correct and is frequently found in news and media sources, which indicates its acceptability in general writing. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While effective for conveying that one began exploring or investigating something, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or business settings. It's essential to consider the context and audience when choosing between this phrase and more formal options such as "I began investigating".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began investigating

This alternative provides a more formal tone by replacing "checking out" with "investigating".

I commenced exploring

Replaces "started" with "commenced", and "checking out" with "exploring", offering a slightly more sophisticated tone.

I started to examine

This version uses "examine" in place of "checking out", suggesting a more detailed review.

I took a look at

This expresses a similar idea but uses a more casual and straightforward manner.

I embarked on researching

This alternative offers a more structured and purposeful investigation.

I initiated an inspection of

This option uses more formal vocabulary, indicating a structured evaluation.

I set about analyzing

This indicates a systematic approach to understanding something.

I turned my attention to

This suggests a shift in focus towards a particular subject for review.

I got to scrutinizing

The use of "scrutinizing" implies a careful and critical examination.

I delved into

This phrase conveys a sense of immersion and thoroughness in the exploration.

FAQs

What does "I started checking out" mean?

It means you began to explore, investigate, or look at something. It implies an initial phase of examination or discovery.

What can I say instead of "I started checking out"?

You can use alternatives like "I began investigating", "I took a look at", or "I started to examine" depending on the level of formality needed.

Is "I started checking out" too informal for academic writing?

Yes, it is generally too informal. In academic writing, it's better to use more precise and formal alternatives such as "I began investigating" or "I commenced exploring".

How can I use "I started checking out" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "After reading the reviews, "I started checking out" different models of laptops online."