I started knowing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started knowing" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where someone is beginning to understand or become aware of something over time. Example: "I started knowing more about the subject after attending several lectures."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

So that was really how I started knowing about him.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I started knowing all these academics and going round to professors' houses for tea and I got invited to parliament and ended up talking to Ed Miliband.

The Guardian - Books

I started having people friends after I left Ethiopia, on my journey, that's when I started knowing people – I really had a very lonely life when I was there.

The Guardian

And I started knowing that I am not well," he said.

BBC

"It was then that I started knowing who I am and not feeling ashamed and embarrassed," she said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Although the motivation may sometimes go up and down, I now have the tools necessary to move through the mental blocks that may come up, so I can finish strong on each project I start, knowing that it will get me that much closer to my overall vision.

Huffington Post

It was also the turning point (or at least the most recent grand one) in my career, the time when people started knowing who I was *before* I walked into the audition room, the time when people started (occasionally) hiring me *without* an audition.

Huffington Post

"When I'm on LSD and hearing something that's pure rhythm, it takes me to another world and into anther brain state where I've stopped thinking and started knowing," Kevin Herbert told Wired magazine at a symposium commemorating Hofmann's one hundredth birthday.

Huffington Post

"People started knowing how the world was..

The Guardian

"Pretty fast, all the dirtbag climbers started knowing Chongo," Ninov said, "and he was the connection".

The New York Times - Sports

But it is high time the parliament started knowing and caring a great deal more about them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for more common and clear alternatives such as "I began to understand" or "I started to realize" to ensure clarity and avoid potential awkwardness.

Common error

While grammatically acceptable, avoid overusing "started knowing" in formal contexts. Use it sparingly and consider more precise verbs like "understand", "realize", or "recognize" for improved clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started knowing" functions as a statement expressing the beginning of a cognitive process. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase may sound awkward and less common than alternatives. It's used to indicate the initial phase of gaining knowledge or understanding about something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically acceptable, the phrase "I started knowing" is not the most common or natural way to express the beginning of understanding. As Ludwig AI points out, it may sound awkward. It's better to consider using alternatives like "I began to understand" or "I started to realize" for increased clarity and effectiveness. Though found in various contexts including news and media, its slightly awkward phrasing suggests avoiding it in highly formal settings. Consider the nuances of your intended message and opt for clearer alternatives to enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to understand

Uses 'began to understand' for a clearer expression of comprehension's commencement.

I began to realize

Replaces 'knowing' with 'realize' to emphasize the dawning of awareness.

I started to understand

More common phrasing for the beginning of comprehension.

I started to realize

Alternative phrasing focusing on the start of realization.

I came to know

Emphasizes a gradual process of getting acquainted or learning.

I grew to understand

Suggests a gradual development of understanding over time.

I began to learn

Focuses on the commencement of the learning process.

I started learning

More direct and common way to express the beginning of learning something.

I discerned

A more formal and literary term for perceiving or recognizing something.

I gathered

Implies inferring or concluding something based on available information.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "I started knowing"?

You can use alternatives like "I began to understand", "I started to realize", or "I came to know" depending on the context.

Is "I started knowing" grammatically correct?

While grammatically acceptable, "I started knowing" is not the most common or natural way to express the idea of beginning to understand or realize something. Other options might be more effective.

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

You can use "I started knowing" to express the beginning of awareness or understanding, but it's often better to rephrase it for clarity. For example, instead of "I started knowing the subject", try "I began to understand the subject".

What's the difference between "I started knowing" and "I began to understand"?

"I began to understand" is generally clearer and more common than "I started knowing". The former directly conveys the commencement of understanding, while the latter can sound slightly awkward. Consider using "I began to understand" for better clarity.