I started running

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "I started running" is correct and usable in written English.
When used in the context of a sentence, the phrase conveys that the speaker has started an activity involving running motions or exercises. For example, you could write, "Feeling the adrenaline rush through my veins, I started running faster than I ever had before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Eventually, I started running again.

The New Yorker

I started running after them.

The New Yorker

"I started running amok".

The Guardian

So, with skepticism, I started running.

The New York Times

"I started running," he says.

The Guardian

I started running up West Street.

The New York Times

I started running, with my leg bleeding.

The New York Times

"I started running and screaming," she said.

The New York Times

"I started running in fear," she said.

The New York Times

At any rate, this is how I started running.

The New Yorker

"I started running, and I lost all that weight.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing when you started running, provide context about the circumstances or motivations behind it to give the statement more impact.

Common error

Avoid using "I started running" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "I took up running" or "I began to run" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started running" functions as a statement of initiation. It expresses the beginning of the action of running, whether as a one-time event or the commencement of a regular habit. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started running" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate the commencement of running. Ludwig AI confirms this. It appears frequently in news, lifestyle, and sports contexts. While it's simple and direct, varying your language and providing context will enhance its impact. Be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "I began to run" or "I took up running" for stylistic diversity. The phrase functions as a statement of initiation, serving the purpose of informing about a new or resumed running activity. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to run

Replaces "started" with "began", slightly more formal.

I took up running

Indicates beginning running as a hobby or regular exercise.

I got into running

Suggests developing an interest and engagement in running.

I initiated my running routine

More formal, emphasizes establishing a routine.

I commenced running

Uses a more formal verb, "commenced", instead of "started".

I turned to running

Implies running was adopted as a solution or coping mechanism.

I embarked on running

Suggests a more adventurous or significant undertaking.

I made a start at running

Focuses on the initial attempt to run.

My running journey began

More figurative, emphasizing the long-term nature of running.

I set about running

Highlights the intention and action of starting to run.

FAQs

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

You can use "I started running" to describe the beginning of a running habit or a specific instance of running, for example, "I started running after my doctor recommended it" or "I started running when I heard the alarm".

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

You can use alternatives like "I began to run", "I took up running", or "I got into running depending on the context".

Which is correct, "I started running" or "I began running"?

Both "I started running" and "I began running" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. "Began" is slightly more formal than "started".

What's the difference between "I started running" and "I started to run"?

"I started running" emphasizes the activity of running itself, while "I started to run" emphasizes the initiation of the action. The former is more common when discussing running as a regular habit. The latter is more common to describe an event. Both are grammatically sound.