I started feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of an emotional or physical sensation. Example: "I started feeling anxious as the deadline approached."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I started feeling dizzy.

The New York Times

But I started feeling tired.

The New Yorker

I started feeling guilty".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Eventually, I started feeling that way too.

The New York Times

"I started feeling guiltier and guiltier.

The New York Times

"Even I started feeling dizzy," he said.

The New York Times

"I started feeling dizzier and dizzier.

Independent

I started feeling very isolated.

The New York Times - Health

Clifford: I started feeling this degree of resentment.

The New York Times

But then I started feeling sorry for her.

The New Yorker

And then I started feeling guilty for calling him "Gary".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started feeling" to describe the initial stage of an emotion or physical sensation. Be specific with the adjective that follows to convey the precise feeling: "I started feeling anxious", "I started feeling dizzy", etc.

Common error

Avoid using overly general adjectives after "I started feeling". Instead of "I started feeling bad", try to pinpoint the emotion more accurately: "I started feeling guilty", "I started feeling unwell", or "I started feeling disappointed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started feeling" functions as a declarative statement, expressing the speaker's subjective experience of an emotion or sensation. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

18%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started feeling" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the onset of an emotion or sensation. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reliable sources, confirms its wide applicability in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. According to Ludwig, the phrase serves to introduce a personal experience and share a change in emotional or physical state. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to follow the phrase with specific and descriptive adjectives, avoiding vague generalities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to feel

Replaces "started" with "began", a synonym, resulting in a slightly more formal tone.

I commenced feeling

Substitutes "started" with "commenced", increasing the formality of the phrase.

I sensed

Simplifies the phrase to a single verb, implying a more immediate and direct experience.

I noticed I was feeling

Adds an element of awareness to the sensation, emphasizing observation of the feeling.

I found myself feeling

Highlights the unexpected or involuntary nature of the feeling.

A feeling began to develop

Shifts focus to the feeling itself, portraying it as something that gradually emerges.

I experienced the onset of

More formal and clinical, suitable for describing the beginning of a physical or emotional state.

I had the sensation of

Emphasizes the sensory aspect of the experience, often used for physical feelings.

It dawned on me that I felt

Indicates a realization or sudden awareness of a feeling.

I gradually became aware of

Highlights the gradual nature of becoming conscious of a feeling.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "I started feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "I began to feel", "I commenced feeling", or "I sensed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I started to feel" instead of "I started feeling"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "I started feeling" is more concise and often preferred in contemporary usage. "I started "to feel"" is also acceptable but can sometimes sound slightly more formal.

When is it appropriate to use "I started feeling"?

Use "I started feeling" when you want to describe the onset or beginning of a particular emotion or physical sensation. For example, "I started feeling anxious as the deadline approached" or "I started feeling dizzy after the exertion".

What's the difference between "I started feeling" and "I began feeling"?

"I started feeling" and "I began feeling" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Began" can sometimes imply a more gradual or formal onset than "started", but the difference is often negligible. You can also say "I started "to feel"" or "I began "to feel"".