I started going to school

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'I started going to school' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the beginning of the process of attending school. For example: When I was five years old, I started going to school. I remember being so excited to learn and make new friends.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Once I started going to school, we would talk over breakfast.

The New Yorker

Eddie Mahoney ("Eddie Money"): I started going to school at Franklin Lane -- that's in Brooklyn.

Huffington Post

I started going to school when I came to Nakivale.

BMC Psychiatry

"When I started going to school, I had to go against a culture that didn't promote girls' education, where poverty was a barrier," said Ms. Nyirasafari.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Before my older son started going to school, I would look for resources online to teach him things at home but I could not find too many.

Forbes

Children started going to school.

The New York Times

Around that time, we started going to school.

The New Yorker

They started going to school there.

Vice

At the age of 12, Ling started going to school for the first time.

Huffington Post

So, when Dylan started going to school, he brought home the handbook and insisted on reading the rules.

Huffington Post

"Ever since Shirin started going to school, my thoughts have changed.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying the type of school, consider adding details: "I started going to high school" or "I started going to a private school."

Common error

Avoid using the infinitive form of the verb (to go) after "started going". Instead, maintain the gerund form. Incorrect: "I started going to go to school." Correct: "I started going to school."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started going to school" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the commencement of a personal experience, specifically the beginning of one's formal education. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started going to school" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express the beginning of formal education. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples. The phrase is appropriate for various contexts, from personal stories to news reports, and it maintains a neutral tone. Consider alternatives like "I began attending school" or "My education began" for subtle variations in meaning or formality. When writing, ensure the verb tense is consistent (gerund form) after "started going" and be specific about the type of school if necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began attending school

Replaces "started going" with "began attending", emphasizing the act of attending.

I enrolled in school

Highlights the act of enrolling or registering.

I commenced my schooling

Uses more formal language like "commenced" and "schooling".

My education began

Shifts the focus to the education itself, rather than the action of going.

I initiated my formal education

Highlights the initiation of formal education.

I entered the education system

Focuses on entering the system of education.

I took up my studies

Focuses on the act of taking up studies.

I was admitted to school

Emphasizes the admission process.

I returned to school

Indicates a return to studies after a break.

I have begun my academic journey

Uses more metaphorical language to describe the beginning of education.

FAQs

How can I use "I started going to school" in a sentence?

You can use "I started going to school" to describe the beginning of your education. For example: "When I was six, "I started going to school" and made many new friends."

What are some alternatives to "I started going to school"?

Alternatives include "I began attending school", "I enrolled in school", or "my education began", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I started to go to school" instead of "I started going to school"?

While "I started to go to school" is grammatically correct, ""I started going to school"" is more common and natural-sounding when referring to the commencement of one's education. "I started to go" often implies an interrupted or repeated action.

What's the difference between "I started going to school" and "I began going to school"?

The phrases ""I started going to school"" and "I began going to school" are largely interchangeable. "Began" can sound slightly more formal than "started".