I started talking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started talking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of a conversation or when recounting an event where you began to speak. Example: "During the meeting, I started talking about our new project and shared my ideas with the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Instead, I started talking.

The New Yorker

I started talking to him".

The New York Times

I started talking it up.

The New York Times

So I started talking about a bunch of random stuff".

The New York Times - Sports

"Ever since I started talking, they stopped me from travelling".

Independent

"I started talking about wanting to get married," she said.

The New York Times

"I started talking to Hillary quite frequently," Starr continued.

The New Yorker

"Once I started talking to him, I couldn't stop".

The New York Times

As I started talking I noticed their blank faces.

The Guardian - Books

"I started talking about healthy eating," Mr. Marvy said.

The New York Times

"I started talking to myself, which I'd never done.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by placing "I started talking" at different points in the sentence for emphasis and flow.

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear who "I" refers to, especially in narratives with multiple characters. Overuse of this phrase can also make your writing sound repetitive; consider using synonyms like "I began to speak" or "I initiated the conversation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started talking" functions as a declarative statement indicating the commencement of speech by the speaker. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show it used in various narrative contexts to introduce dialogue or explain actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I started talking" is a grammatically correct and highly common way to indicate the beginning of speech. Ludwig AI confirms this, and the numerous examples from diverse sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian illustrate its widespread use. While simple and direct, it's important to use the phrase judiciously and consider synonyms to avoid repetition. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for a variety of contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in more informal settings. Remember to maintain clarity regarding the speaker and to vary your sentence structure for better writing flow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to speak

Formal alternative that emphasizes the commencement of speaking.

I initiated the conversation

Highlights taking the lead in a discussion.

I opened my mouth to speak

Emphasizes the physical act of beginning to talk.

I broke the silence

Focuses on ending a period of quiet.

I launched into conversation

Suggests an enthusiastic or energetic start to talking.

I engaged in dialogue

Implies a more formal or structured conversation.

I voiced my thoughts

Focuses on expressing one's opinions or ideas.

I commenced speaking

A more formal and less common way to say "I started talking".

I aired my views

Suggests expressing opinions publicly or formally.

I offered my perspective

Highlights presenting a particular viewpoint.

FAQs

What's a simple way to rephrase "I started talking"?

You can use phrases like "I began speaking", "I spoke up", or "I started to speak". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "I started talking"?

While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider varying your sentence structure or using synonyms like "I initiated the conversation".

How does "I started talking" differ from "I began to talk"?

"I started talking" is slightly more informal and common. "I began to talk" can sound more deliberate or formal, depending on context. Semantically speaking, the nuance is very thin.

What can I say instead of "I started talking" when initiating a difficult conversation?

Consider phrases like "I broached the subject", "I brought it up", or "I initiated a discussion" to convey the act of beginning a challenging conversation.