I started messing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started messing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the beginning of an action that involves playing around or experimenting with something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I started messing with the settings on my phone to see if I could improve the battery life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"I started messing around with a little bell sound and it was instantly Christmassy," he says.

The Economist

So I started messing with this girl, changing things up relationship-wise.

The New Yorker

As a lot of people do, I started messing around with herbal hormones, but had several stops and starts.

The Guardian

"A couple of years into Lupa, I started messing with a version of it, but it never took off there," he said.

The New York Times

And then I was messing around with her and touching it and stuff, and I started messing with my neck, and then my arms and legs started itching and I got it.

The New York Times - Magazine

When I got to college I started messing around with other programs.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

I have a bunch of Jai Paul/alt-R'n'B style demos from when I first started messing about on my laptop, an album of house tracks that I made (two of which I put out under a different name in 2014), and a silly amount of hip hop beats too.

Vice

"I just started messing around with pumps and plastic hoses in my bathtub," Lochtefeld says.

The New York Times - Magazine

I first started messing about with cine film in 1995, just after the broadcast of a BBC Arena documentary about Peter Sellers and his obsession with filming his own life.

The New Yorker

I should've started messing up my life sooner.

Huffington Post

"Then I learned that they started messing around with Alka Seltzer, with glitter, a lot of different forms of liquids and particles in tanks.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a more formal or structured activity, consider alternatives like "I began experimenting" or "I initiated tinkering".

Common error

Avoid using "I started messing" in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. It can sound too casual and unprofessional. Choose more precise and formal alternatives like "I commenced" or "I initiated".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I started messing" is to indicate the initiation of an action, where "messing" functions as a gerund, describing the activity that was started. It describes the beginning of an informal engagement, or experimentation with something as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

21%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started messing" is a common phrase used to describe the initiation of a casual or experimental activity. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates it is grammatically correct and frequently found in informal contexts, especially in news and media sources. While it's suitable for everyday conversation, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. Related phrases like "I began toying around" or "I commenced experimenting" can provide alternative ways to express a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started toying with

This is very similar, but slightly more focused on the object of the activity.

I began toying around

This alternative emphasizes a playful and unserious approach to the activity.

I commenced experimenting

This alternative suggests a more formal and structured approach to the activity.

I took to playing around

This emphasizes the enjoyable and leisurely aspect of the activity.

I initiated tinkering

This alternative implies working with machinery or technology in a hands-on manner.

I turned to exploring

Focuses on the investigative and discovery-oriented aspect of the activity.

I ventured into dabbling

Suggests a casual and exploratory engagement with the activity.

I set about improvising

Highlights the spontaneous and creative nature of the activity.

I got involved in fiddling

Implies making small adjustments or manipulations, often with a restless energy.

I proceeded to manipulate

Emphasizes the active modification and control of something.

FAQs

What does "I started messing" mean?

The phrase "I started messing" typically means that you began to casually experiment or play around with something without a specific goal or serious intent.

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

You can use alternatives like "I began experimenting", "I started playing around", or "I began tinkering" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "I started messing" in formal writing?

No, it's generally not appropriate. The phrase is quite informal and may not be suitable for academic papers, business reports, or other formal contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives.

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

Here's an example: "When I got bored, "I started messing" with the photo editing software to see what I could create."