I started joking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started joking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of a humorous or light-hearted conversation or situation. Example: "At the party, I started joking about my recent vacation, and everyone burst into laughter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I started joking that it was like the cosmos was habituating to my ideas.

The New Yorker

"And then Debbie and I started joking about all the things we were going to do after she got better.

The New York Times

I started joking with a friend that I could maybe make him say anything I wanted," explains Howell.

TechCrunch

I started joking about them, calling them duffel bags that I could keep stuff in.

Los Angeles Times

I started joking with the kids, "Hey look, here is some dental floss, everyone needs that, right?" They laughed along, and then I heard this man say, "Amy, show Mr. Redmond what else is in there".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

If you say it to me 500 times a day, in two days I start joking about it".

The New York Times

I'm lifted out of my funk about the presentation I have to give to a room of stuffed shirts in a few hours and I start joking around with complete strangers about the nuances of specialty coffee.

Huffington Post

After the door closed behind him, Anne and I immediately started joking around.

The New York Times

I have since started joking that if you try to self-diagnose using information you find online, you will convince yourself that you are pregnant and have cancer.

Huffington Post

One day, on visiting an off-licence, I was surprised when staff started joking and laughing when I was in the shop.

The Guardian - Opinion

But then Pattinson quickly started joking,"I would make a campaign against them," in reference to the next actor to play Edward.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the context when using "I started joking". Ensure that the preceding events warrant a light-hearted response to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "I started joking" when the situation calls for a serious or empathetic response. Using humor inappropriately can be perceived as insensitive or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started joking" functions as a verb phrase, where 'started' is the main verb indicating the beginning of an action and 'joking' acts as a gerund complementing the verb. Ludwig confirms that the expression is correct and well usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I started joking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the beginning of a lighthearted or humorous interaction. According to Ludwig, it's a valid and usable phrase in English writing. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts and holds a neutral register, making it suitable for a wide range of situations. While context is key, avoiding its use in scenarios requiring seriousness or empathy is advisable. Alternatives such as "I began to joke" and "I commenced joking" can be considered for subtle variations in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to joke

Replaces "started" with "began", offering a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the core meaning.

I commenced joking

Substitutes "started" with "commenced", resulting in a more formal and less common phrasing.

I initiated joking

Replaces "started" with "initiated", making the sentence more formal and less conversational.

I launched into jokes

Uses a more active and emphatic verb "launched", suggesting a sudden or energetic start to joking.

I fell to joking

Replaces "started" with "fell to", indicating a transition into joking, often in response to a situation.

I turned to joking

Implies a shift in behavior or conversation towards joking, possibly as a coping mechanism or deflection.

I took to joking

Indicates a new habit or inclination towards joking, suggesting it wasn't a regular occurrence before.

I resorted to jokes

Suggests joking was a last resort, perhaps to lighten a tense situation or avoid a serious topic.

I made a joke

Focuses on the act of making a single joke rather than an ongoing state of joking.

I cracked a joke

Refers to telling a specific joke, emphasizing the delivery of the humor.

FAQs

What does "I started joking" mean?

The phrase "I started joking" indicates the beginning of a humorous interaction or light-hearted conversation. It implies that the speaker began to make jokes or speak in a playful manner.

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

You can use alternatives like "I began to joke", "I commenced joking", or "I started to joke" depending on the context.

Is "I started joking" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I started joking" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-gerund structure in English.

How can the phrase "I started joking" be used in a sentence?

You can use "I started joking" to describe the initiation of a humorous exchange, such as: "After the initial shock wore off, I started joking about the situation to lighten the mood."