I started drawing

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "I started drawing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence when you want to indicate the beginning of an action or activity. Example: "I started drawing at a young age and have been passionate about it ever since."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I started drawing early.

The New Yorker

I started drawing again.

The New Yorker

I started drawing Nona Appleby (née Molesworth) in my teens.

The New Yorker

"I started drawing at the age of five," he says.

Independent

"I started drawing the sun and radiating light," she said.

The New York Times

"I was an artist, so first I started drawing them.

The New York Times - Arts

"Once I started drawing, I was going very fast," she said.

The New Yorker

"When things were getting worse in the foster home, I started drawing more," he recalled.

The New York Times

The other side was I started drawing at a very young age, probably 3 years old.

The New York Times

"I started drawing at the age everyone does — when they pick up a crayon," she said.

The New Yorker

"I started drawing beakers and pipes, a cartoon of a machine," he continues.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started drawing", clearly indicate the context or reason behind beginning the activity to provide a more engaging narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "I started drawing" without specifying what you started drawing or why. Providing context makes the statement more meaningful and informative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started drawing" functions as a declarative statement indicating the initiation of an activity. It is a simple subject-verb construction expressing the beginning of the action of drawing, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started drawing" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the beginning of engaging in drawing activities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its usage spans various contexts, primarily within news and media, indicating its general applicability. When using this phrase, providing additional context, such as the subject or reason for starting drawing, can enhance clarity and engagement. Related phrases like "I began to draw" or "I took up drawing" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance. This phrase is suitable for both informal and neutral settings, depending on the overall tone and content of the writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to draw

Uses a different verb ("began") to express the start of the action, maintaining the same subject and activity.

I took up drawing

Employs the phrasal verb "took up" to indicate the commencement of drawing as a new activity.

I commenced drawing

Uses a more formal verb to mean started.

I picked up drawing

Uses "picked up" to suggest the casual beginning of drawing.

I turned to drawing

Expresses drawing as a newfound or alternative activity.

Drawing became a hobby for me

Focuses on establishing drawing as a pastime.

My artistic journey began with drawing

Highlights the start of an artistic path specifically with drawing.

I developed an interest in drawing

Emphasizes the development of interest that lead to starting drawing.

I discovered drawing

Conveys the idea of finding or realizing an interest in drawing.

My introduction to art was through drawing

Highlights that the beginning of arts started from drawing.

FAQs

How can I expand on the sentence "I started drawing"?

You can add details about what you drew, when you started, or why you began drawing. For instance, "I started drawing portraits after being inspired by a local artist."

What's a more formal way to say "I started drawing"?

A more formal alternative is "I commenced drawing". This phrase is less common in everyday conversation but suitable for formal writing.

Is it correct to say "I started to draw" instead of "I started drawing"?

Both "I started to draw" and "I started drawing" are grammatically correct. The gerund form (drawing) often implies a more continuous or habitual action, while the infinitive form (to draw) can suggest a specific instance or intention.

What are some phrases similar to "I started drawing" to describe initiating a creative hobby?

You could use phrases like "I took up drawing", "drawing became a hobby for me", or "I developed an interest in drawing" depending on the nuance you want to convey.