I started lying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started lying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a past action where you began to be untruthful or deceptive. Example: "At first, I was honest with my friends, but eventually, I started lying to avoid hurting their feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

That's when I started lying.

The Guardian - Books

I started lying to my L.A. yoga teacher, Loren Russo, who'd been a roommate in Mysore.

The New York Times

I started lying after I read this brilliant Michael Gambon quote.

The Guardian - Film

"We just started meeting, and I started lying down on the couch and just telling stories," said Mr. Moscone.

The New York Times

"I started lying because I was unable to tell people certain things," Nell says; in fact, feeling that it is impossible to say certain things at certain moments, she suggests, might be the most English of all maladies.

The New Yorker

I wanted to enjoy sex again so I started lying, or not saying shit because no one asked.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

When would I start lying down on the couch?

The New Yorker

He started lying to me that Wednesday".

The New Yorker

He started lying about the hours he had worked.

The New York Times

He refused to cut his hair and started lying.

The New York Times

They've been disappointed so often in the past that we've started lying to them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started lying", be specific about the context and reasons behind the shift to dishonesty. This adds clarity and depth to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about lying without providing specific examples or consequences. This can weaken the impact of your message. For instance, instead of saying "I started lying about everything", specify what you lied about and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started lying" functions as a declarative statement, indicating the initiation of a specific action (lying) by the speaker. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I started lying" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the commencement of dishonest behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable phrase. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves the purpose of narrating personal experiences or providing context for behavioral shifts. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the circumstances and motivations behind the lying is key. Alternatives such as "I began to lie" or "I resorted to lying" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. While it's important to offer context, the frequency analysis indicates that providing examples can strengthen the narrative and allow for a more impactful discussion of its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to lie

A more formal synonym, emphasizing the initiation of the act of lying.

I commenced lying

A highly formal and less common way to express the beginning of lying.

I resorted to lying

Highlights that lying was a last resort or a choice made under pressure.

I turned to lying

Indicates that lying became a habitual behavior or a coping mechanism.

I adopted lying

Suggests that lying was consciously chosen as a new behavior or strategy.

I initiated deception

A more formal and broad term, referring to the start of deceptive acts.

I embarked on a path of lies

Emphasizes the prolonged and continuous nature of the deceptive behavior.

I constructed falsehoods

Highlights the deliberate and planned nature of the lies.

I fabricated stories

Focuses on the creation of untrue narratives.

I misrepresented the truth

Emphasizes altering or distorting the truth, rather than outright lying.

FAQs

What does "I started lying" mean?

The phrase "I started lying" indicates the point at which an individual began to engage in untruthful or deceptive behavior. It signifies the commencement of a pattern of dishonesty.

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

You can use "I started lying" to describe a turning point in a story or personal narrative. For example: "I felt pressured to fit in, so "I started lying" about my accomplishments."

What are some alternatives to "I started lying"?

Alternatives include "I began to lie", "I resorted to lying", or "I turned to lying". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I started lying"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English sentence structure and uses the correct verb tense and form.