I started imagining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started imagining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of a thought process or creative visualization. Example: "As I sat by the window, I started imagining what my life would be like in a different city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"While I was sitting in my chair, I started imagining working with them.

The New Yorker

I started imagining that I was up here on the podium, receiving an honorary doctorate in affirmations.

The New Yorker

I started imagining what might happen to plant life that has been processed to the point of becoming sterile".

The New York Times

Before long, I started imagining how great it'd be if I could cycle everywhere myself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I thought I'd want her to meet and overcome challenges so I started imagining what those might be.

The Guardian

Driving down the windy, dusty road, I started imagining my life here and realized: This was a dangerous line of thinking.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"Whenever I think about going to the country for the weekend, I start imagining a small house with everything needed for a short stay: a place to cook, a place to eat, a place to wash, and a place to sleep," said Britisg designer Jasper Morrison.

Independent

Then I start imagining Frank singing away with Cecilia -- virgin Saint that she is -- playing the organ.

Huffington Post

"See, I get up every morning very early, I drink a cup of coffee, I sit myself by my desk, and I start imagining, 'what if I was him?

Huffington Post

I get very anxious and I start imagining all kinds of things, so I would love it if they didn't say, 'You can come in next month.' I'd rather it be in a couple of days or something".

Genetics in Medicine

I have started thinking about what the future might look like and I've started imagining what I call, "MMOV" or massive multiplayer online video.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started imagining" to introduce a sequence of thoughts or possibilities, creating a sense of unfolding mental exploration for the reader.

Common error

Avoid constructions like "Images started to be imagined by me" as they are wordy and less direct than the active voice: "I started imagining".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started imagining" functions as a verb phrase that introduces a process of visualization or contemplation. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used to introduce a thought process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I started imagining" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to signal the beginning of a mental visualization or thought process. According to Ludwig, it's appropriate for general use, particularly in narrative contexts. While alternatives like "I began to envision" offer more formal options, "I started imagining" is versatile and effective for conveying the inception of an imaginative sequence. The phrase sees its primary usage within the realm of News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to envision

Focuses on a more detailed and planned mental picture.

I started to picture

Emphasizes creating a mental image, similar to a photograph.

I found myself imagining

Highlights the involuntary nature of the imaginative process.

I commenced to imagine

More formal alternative to 'started imagining'.

I conceived of

Suggests the formation of an idea or plan in the mind.

I daydreamed about

Implies a more passive and whimsical form of imagination.

I entertained the thought of

Highlights considering something, often something desirable.

I played with the idea of

Suggests considering different possibilities and angles.

My mind wandered to

Indicates that the imagination drifted unintentionally to something.

I speculated about

Focuses on forming a theory or conjecture without firm evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "I began to envision", "I started to picture", or "I found myself imagining" depending on the context.

How can "I started imagining" be used in a sentence?

Use "I started imagining" to introduce a new idea or scenario that you are mentally exploring. For example, "Driving down the windy, dusty road, I started imagining my life here".

Is there a more formal way to say "I started imagining"?

Yes, a more formal way to express this would be "I commenced to imagine" or "I began to envision". These options are less common but suitable for formal contexts.

What's the difference between "I started imagining" and "I imagined"?

"I started imagining" indicates the beginning of a process, while "I imagined" is a simple statement about something that you envisioned or conceived.