I started planning for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started planning for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the initiation of preparations or arrangements for a specific event or goal. Example: "I started planning for my vacation last month to ensure everything is organized in advance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I started planning for the Olympics a year or two ago.

The Guardian - Sport

"I really wanted to participate and I started planning for this well before I was invited, because you cannot find a lot of high-quality stones in a short period of time".

The New York Times

Gerry: I started planning for parenting the day our son was born.

Science Magazine

I started planning for the GRE during my master's degree program.

Science Magazine

I did not like working at the bench, which is how I still spent most of my days, so I started planning for another career change that would allow me to still breathe science without actually breathing chemical fumes.

Science Magazine

As a result, I guess you could say that I've been forced to mourn the loss of my pregnancy experience; the one I started planning for the second my daughter was born.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It is absolutely imperative that I start planning for the future.

Vice

Steinman started planning for the end.

The New York Times - Magazine

Six weeks ago, he started planning for this night in case the Cardinals reached the Series.

The New York Times - Sports

Well before the war had ended, the allies had started planning for the peace.

The Guardian

He got the job in July and the very next week he started planning for it.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started planning for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you are planning for. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I started planning for it", specify "I started planning for the conference".

Common error

Avoid using vague pronouns after "I started planning for". Ensure that the object of your planning is explicitly stated to prevent confusion. Instead of saying "I started planning for it, hoping it would succeed", clarify: "I started planning for the marketing campaign, hoping it would succeed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started planning for" functions as a declarative statement indicating the initiation of a process. As shown by Ludwig, this signals the commencement of preparations or arrangements aimed towards a specific goal or event. The phrase indicates that the subject ('I') has begun the process of organizing and strategizing for something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science & Research

30%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Academia

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started planning for" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, primarily functioning to indicate the initiation of a planning process. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media and Science & Research contexts, suggesting a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal communication. While the phrase is not overly common, it is a clear and direct way to communicate the commencement of preparations toward a goal. Therefore, when using "I started planning for", ensure the context is specific and avoid vague pronoun references to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to prepare for

Focuses on the commencement of preparation with slightly more emphasis on readiness.

I initiated preparations for

Highlights the formal commencement or official start of the preparation process.

I commenced making arrangements for

Emphasizes the act of organizing and setting up details for a future event or goal.

I laid the groundwork for

Suggests setting up the initial stages or foundation needed for future success.

I set in motion preparations for

Conveys a sense of actively starting a series of actions to get ready for something.

I took the first steps in planning for

Highlights the initial actions taken towards organizing an upcoming event or goal.

I got the ball rolling on preparations for

Indicates the start of a process with the intention of continuing and gaining momentum.

I kicked off the planning phase for

Informally denotes the beginning of the planning stage.

I embarked on planning for

Implies a commitment and start to a significant planning journey.

I took to planning for

Suggests a personal engagement and dedication to the planning process.

FAQs

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

Use "I started planning for" to indicate the initiation of preparations or arrangements for a specific event or goal. For example: "I started planning for my retirement "years ago" to ensure financial stability".

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

You can use alternatives such as "I began preparing for", "I initiated preparations for", or "I commenced making arrangements for" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

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

Both phrases are correct and largely interchangeable. "I began planning for" might sound slightly more formal, while "I started planning for" is more common in everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "I started planning for" and "I started to plan for"?

While both are grammatically correct, "I started planning for" emphasizes the continuous process of planning, whereas "I started to plan for" highlights the action of beginning to plan.