I started taking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started taking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you began a particular activity or habit, often related to learning, medication, or participation in something. Example: "I started taking yoga classes last month to improve my flexibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I started taking photographs.

The New York Times

I started taking Xanax".

The New York Times

I started taking pictures.

The New York Times

I started taking Paxil.

The New Yorker

So I started taking shortcuts".

The New York Times

"I started taking it apart.

The New York Times - Tech

"I started taking a vote.

The New York Times - Sports

"Then I started taking the U.S.S.F.

The New York Times - Sports

I started taking photos in 1972.

The Guardian - Arts

This is when I started taking notes.

The New York Times - Health

I started taking photographs in high school.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started taking", ensure the object following 'taking' is a noun or gerund (verb ending in -ing) that represents an activity, medication, or course of action. For example, "I started taking photos" or "I started taking medication".

Common error

Avoid using adjectives or adverbs directly after "I started taking" without a noun or gerund. Instead of saying "I started taking seriously", say "That was when "I started taking things seriously" or "That was when I started to take things seriously."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started taking" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the commencement of an action or activity. The verb 'started' expresses the beginning of the action, and 'taking' specifies the nature of that action, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started taking" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the commencement of an action or activity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure that the object following "taking" is a noun or gerund that represents an activity, medication, or course of action. Common alternatives include "I began taking" and "I commenced taking", each carrying subtle differences in formality and nuance. The phrase is generally considered neutral in register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to take

Uses 'began' instead of 'started', implying a more formal or gradual commencement.

I commenced taking

Replaces 'started' with 'commenced', making it sound more formal and official.

I initiated taking

Substitutes 'started' with 'initiated', suggesting a formal or deliberate beginning.

I took up

Uses a phrasal verb to indicate beginning an activity or hobby.

I got into

Indicates a more casual and enthusiastic start to an activity.

I ventured into taking

Suggests a slightly experimental or exploratory approach to starting something.

I resolved to take

Implies a firm decision or commitment to begin something.

I set about taking

Suggests a focused and determined approach to beginning something.

I devoted myself to taking

Indicates a significant commitment of time and effort to a new activity.

I found myself taking

Suggests a less planned or more accidental beginning to something.

FAQs

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

Use "I started taking" to indicate the beginning of an action, habit, or activity. For example, "I started taking photos" or "I started taking classes".

What are some alternatives to "I started taking"?

Some alternatives include "I began taking", "I commenced taking", or "I took up", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I started to take" instead of "I started taking"?

Both "I started to take" and "I started taking" can be grammatically correct, but they may have slightly different nuances. "I started taking" often implies a continuous or habitual action, while "I started to take" can refer to a specific instance or intention.

What kind of words usually follow "I started taking"?

Typically, "I started taking" is followed by a noun, a gerund (verb ending in -ing), or a noun phrase. Examples include "I started taking medication", "I started taking pictures", or "I started taking business classes".