I started for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you began a journey or a process towards a specific destination or goal. Example: "I started for the store early in the morning to avoid the crowds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"I started for fun.

The New York Times

When I started, for instance, the director was expected to light his own shows.

The Guardian

I always labeled any tray I started for them with a "J&J" to denote "John and Jane".

The New York Times

This past March, when I seeded onions, I cut back on how many I started for them.

The New York Times

He had a wireless mike in his hand and, again with the grin, was saying, "Come on up here, Air-rees!" I started for the stairs, still scanning.

Independent

I think of the wonderful, soulful, hilarious children I work with in Power Pens, a creative-writing group I started for elementary kids.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

I start for the kitchen door, but Bobby moves to block my path.

The New Yorker

I started looking for a C.E.O. for the company.

The New York Times

The day my banker friend left for Dubai, I started applying for jobs outside Kolkata.

The New York Times

I started looking for Salye about four years ago.

The New York Times

I started looking for new opportunities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started for" when you want to clearly indicate the beginning of a movement or journey toward a specific place or goal. Ensure the context is appropriate, as it can sometimes sound slightly archaic.

Common error

Avoid using "I started for" without a clear destination or purpose following the phrase. It should always be clear where or what you are starting towards. For instance, don't say "I started for" and end the sentence; specify where you started for.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started for" functions as an intransitive verb phrase indicating the commencement of a journey or movement toward a specific destination. Ludwig confirms this usage across various contexts. It is followed by a noun or noun phrase specifying the destination.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I started for" is a grammatically sound expression used to indicate the beginning of a journey or movement toward a specific destination. Ludwig confirms it's most commonly found in News & Media and Academia, holding a neutral register. While not exceptionally frequent, "I started for" serves a clear communicative purpose in setting the scene for a journey or action. Consider alternatives like "I set out for" or "I headed towards" for stylistic variation. However, the phrase is correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I set out for

Emphasizes a deliberate and intentional beginning of a journey.

I headed towards

Highlights the direction of travel or movement.

I made for

Suggests a determined movement toward a specific location.

I began to go to

A more literal and less idiomatic way of expressing movement toward a place.

I departed for

Focuses on the act of leaving one place to go to another.

I commenced towards

A more formal way of saying 'I headed towards'.

I initiated travel to

Emphasizes the beginning of travel, often used in a formal context.

I got going towards

Suggests a casual or informal start to a journey.

I launched toward

Implies a quick or energetic start in a specific direction.

I took off to

Suggests a sudden or quick departure for a destination.

FAQs

What does "I started for" mean?

The phrase "I started for" means that you began a journey or movement towards a specific place or goal. It indicates the commencement of travel or action направлено towards something.

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

You can use "I started for" to describe the beginning of a journey. For example, "I started for the door" or "I started for home" are both grammatically correct and clear.

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

You can use alternatives like "I set out for", "I headed towards", or "I made for" depending on the context.

Is "I started for to" grammatically correct?

No, "I started for to" is not grammatically correct. The correct usage is "I started for" followed by a noun or noun phrase indicating the destination. To express purpose, use "I started in order to" or "I started to".