I started gambling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started gambling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the beginning of your involvement in gambling activities. Example: "After years of saving, I started gambling to try and increase my earnings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So I started gambling on horses.

The Guardian - Sport

I started gambling at 12, then used amphetamines, then heroin.

The Guardian

"I started gambling when I was about 17, when I first played for Newcastle I was travelling with the first team," said Chopra, who came through the youth ranks at Newcastle to play alongside the likes of Alan Shearer, Kieron Dyer, Titus Bramble and Craig Bellamy.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Why didn't I start gambling on relationships years ago?" — Paul Sussman, former marriage counselor.

The New Yorker

Sometimes I start gambling straight after work, at 5 30PM – drinking two to three pints an hour – until 8 00AM the next morning".

Vice

"When he started gambling, I didn't think anything of it," she said between sobs.

The New York Times

So I sent her to a casino in Macao and she started gambling.

The Guardian - Film

Many people said they had started gambling on Christmas because the casinos were the only businesses that remained open.

The New York Times

And according to Elaine Smethurst at the Gordon Moody Association, the gambling therapy centre, many of her clients "started gambling at a very young age".

Independent

After he lost his job in Dubai his addiction deepened, and he started gambling and losing money fast, even selling their only property.

Independent

He started gambling again after cashing a cheque last week, and taking the money to play on fruit machines in an arcade.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started gambling", be specific about the context. Mentioning the type of gambling or the circumstances can provide clarity and avoid misinterpretations. For example: "I started gambling on sports" or "I started gambling to cope with stress".

Common error

Avoid using "I started gambling" without providing any further context, as it can sound vague or raise unnecessary concerns. Always clarify the nature and extent of your gambling activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started gambling" functions as a statement of past action, indicating the commencement of gambling activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started gambling" is a grammatically sound and understandable statement used to describe the beginning of someone's involvement in gambling activities. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness. While relatively straightforward, it's crucial to consider the context in which it's used, as gambling can be a sensitive subject. Related phrases offer alternatives that may subtly shift the focus or tone. The phrase is most often found in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to gamble

Replaces "started" with the synonym "began", maintaining the same meaning.

I took up gambling

Uses the idiomatic expression "took up" to indicate the beginning of a new hobby or habit.

I got into gambling

Indicates the beginning of involvement in gambling activities.

I dabbled in gambling

Suggests a casual or experimental engagement with gambling.

I ventured into gambling

Implies a more exploratory and possibly risky entry into gambling.

I experimented with gambling

Highlights the trial nature of the initial gambling experience.

I found myself gambling

Emphasizes the almost accidental or unintentional start of gambling.

I initiated gambling

Uses a more formal term "initiated", suggesting a deliberate start.

I commenced gambling

Replaces "started" with the more formal synonym "commenced".

My gambling began

Shifts the focus to the gambling itself, rather than the person starting.

FAQs

What's a less direct way to say "I started gambling"?

You could say "I "began to gamble"" or "I "took up gambling"" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "I started gambling" or "I began gambling"?

Both "I started gambling" and "I began gambling" are grammatically correct. "Started" is more common and informal, while "began" is slightly more formal.

What kind of information should I include after saying "I started gambling"?

Provide context such as the type of gambling (e.g., "I started gambling on sports"), the reason (e.g., "I started gambling out of boredom"), or the timeframe.

Are there any negative connotations associated with saying "I started gambling"?

Yes, "I started gambling" can carry negative connotations because gambling is often associated with addiction and financial risk. Consider using a more neutral phrase like "I "began to gamble"" if you want to avoid those associations.