I started looking for

USAGE SUMMARY

"I started looking for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that you have just begun an action of searching for something. For example, "I started looking for a new apartment but I haven't found one yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

I started looking for new opportunities.

The New York Times

I started looking for Salye about four years ago.

The New York Times

I started looking for business ideas.

The Guardian

I started looking for waterfalls recently.

The New York Times - Tech

"I started looking for jobs the best I could.

Independent

So I started looking for postdoctoral positions in other countries.

The Guardian

So I started looking for ways to regain my identity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But then when I saw that I was out with Gajdosova, I started looking for her.

The New York Times

I said, 'I can't do this.' And so I started looking for things to do".

The New York Times

Soon after, I started looking for product companies in India that have crossed the $1 million revenue milestone.

Forbes

"Then I started looking for Willie".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started looking for", ensure the context clearly indicates what you were initially seeking. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid vague statements by specifying what you were looking for immediately after the phrase. For example, instead of "I started looking for solutions", be specific: "I started looking for alternative solutions to reduce energy consumption".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started looking for" functions as a sentence starter introducing a description of an action. The auxiliary verb "started" indicates the beginning of the search, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science & Research

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started looking for" is a versatile and commonly used phrase to introduce the commencement of a search or investigation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its frequency of usage across news, media, and scientific research highlights its adaptability. While alternatives exist, "I started looking for" remains a direct and easily understood way to convey the beginning of an exploratory action. When using the phrase, ensure the object of your search is clear for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began a search for

Replaces 'started looking' with 'began a search', formalizing the tone slightly.

I commenced searching for

Substitutes 'started looking' with 'commenced searching', resulting in a more formal tone.

I initiated a quest for

Replaces 'looking for' with 'a quest for', implying a longer or more involved search.

I set out to find

Changes the focus to the act of finding, rather than the process of looking.

I undertook a search to find

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the commitment to the search.

I resolved to seek out

Implies a firm decision to find something, adding a sense of determination.

I made an effort to locate

Focuses on the effort involved in finding something.

I turned my attention to finding

Shifts the focus to the act of turning attention to a specific goal.

I felt compelled to hunt for

Adds a sense of obligation or necessity to the search.

I was on the lookout for

Changes the structure to focus on being 'on the lookout', implying vigilance.

FAQs

How can I use "I started looking for" in a sentence?

You can use "I started looking for" to introduce the beginning of a search for something. For example, "I started looking for "a new job" after being laid off".

What are some alternatives to "I started looking for"?

Some alternatives include "I began searching for", "I commenced a search for", or "I set out to find". These can add variety to your writing.

Is it better to say "I started looking for" or "I began to look for"?

"I started looking for" is generally more concise and natural. "I began to look for" is grammatically correct but can sound slightly more formal or stilted.

What's the difference between "I started looking for" and "I was looking for"?

"I started looking for" implies the commencement of the search, whereas "I was looking for" simply states that you were in the process of searching, without emphasizing the starting point.