I started noticing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started noticing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the beginning of awareness or realization about something over time. Example: "I started noticing a change in her behavior after she returned from vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I started noticing mothers and daughters coming.

The Guardian - Books

I started noticing this a dozen years ago.

The New Yorker

Right after he passed, I started noticing a change.

The New York Times

In my twenties, I started noticing crow's feet and grey hairs.

The Guardian - Opinion

I started noticing heart attacks in guys in their 40s and early 50s".

The New York Times

Once I became aware of this practice, I started noticing cups in other places.

The New Yorker

I started noticing how people used it: they held it in their laps and tickled it.

The New York Times - Science

Happily, a few years ago, I started noticing that people were talking about their supper clubs.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I started noticing I didn't really enjoy people as much, trust them as much," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was dodging the droppings of people's dogs," she said, "when I started noticing them".

The New York Times

But during my recent visit, I started noticing a sudden shift in their attitude.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "I started noticing" with a specific and descriptive account of what you observed to make your writing more engaging and credible.

Common error

Avoid using excessive passive voice immediately following "I started noticing". Instead of saying "I started noticing changes were being made", opt for the more direct "I started noticing changes being made". This enhances clarity and strengthens the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started noticing" functions as an intransitive verb phrase indicating the commencement of an observation or realization. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in English. The auxiliary verb "started" signifies the initiation of the action, and "noticing" acts as a gerund, expressing the process of becoming aware.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started noticing" is a commonly used phrase to introduce a personal observation or realization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure to follow it with specific details about what you observed to enhance clarity. While "I started to notice" is also correct, "I started noticing" provides a slightly more direct and impactful statement. The most authoritative sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, frequently employ this phrase. Be aware of overusing passive voice following the phrase to maintain a strong and clear writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I became aware of

Highlights the state of being conscious of something.

I began to observe

Formal synonym, implies a deliberate act of watching.

I started to become conscious of

Adds focus on the moment of starting the awareness of something.

I began to realize

Focuses on the gradual understanding rather than the act of noticing.

I began to see

More general and can refer to understanding as well as visual perception.

I picked up on

Informal way of saying you noticed something, often subtle.

I caught on to

Suggests understanding something after a period of confusion.

I detected

Suggests a subtle or difficult to notice phenomenon.

I discerned

Implies careful observation and understanding.

It dawned on me that

Indicates a sudden realization.

FAQs

What does "I started noticing" mean?

The phrase "I started noticing" indicates the beginning of a period during which you became aware of something, often implying a gradual realization or observation.

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

You can use alternatives like "I began to observe", "I became aware of", or "I began to see" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I started to notice" instead of "I started noticing"?

Both "I started to notice" and "I started noticing" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you want to express.

How to use "I started noticing" in a sentence?

Use "I started noticing" when you want to describe the moment you began to observe or become aware of something, for example: "I started noticing a change in the weather" or "I started noticing that people were more friendly".