I started teaching

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started teaching" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the beginning of your teaching career or when you began teaching a specific subject or class. Example: "I started teaching at the local high school last year, and it has been a rewarding experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I started teaching.

The New York Times

I started teaching in 1975.

The New Yorker

I started teaching when I was a little over forty.

The New Yorker

Julia and I started teaching together at the university.

The New York Times - Food

"I started teaching studio art courses at Harvard," she said.

The New York Times

I started teaching out of necessity 11 years ago.

The New York Times

I started teaching them how to take pictures.

The Guardian

After Cambridge, I started teaching in a boys' grammar school.

The Guardian

I started teaching English as a foreign language to Japanese ladies.

The Guardian

"When I started teaching, only a few people would have tasted wine.

The Guardian

"When I started teaching in my special school I had six students.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started teaching", specify the subject, grade level, or institution for clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "I started teaching" without providing any additional details about where, when, or what you taught. Providing context makes the statement more meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started teaching" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the beginning of an action. It combines a subject ("I"), a verb ("started"), and a gerund ("teaching") to describe the initiation of the teaching activity. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started teaching" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate the beginning of one's teaching activities. Ludwig's analysis, based on a multitude of real-world examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, confirms that the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media. To enhance clarity, it's recommended to include specifics about the subject, level, or institution where you began teaching. While the phrase is generally considered neutral in register, there are several alternative expressions, such as "I began my teaching career", that offer subtle differences in meaning and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began my teaching career

Focuses on the career aspect rather than a specific action.

My teaching journey commenced

Emphasizes the start of a long-term process of teaching.

I took up teaching

Highlights the act of accepting or starting a teaching role.

I entered the teaching profession

Refers to joining the field of teaching.

I initiated my role as a teacher

Highlights the beginning of performing the duties of a teacher.

Teaching became my new endeavor

Emphasizes that teaching is a new undertaking or project.

I launched into teaching

Implies a forceful or enthusiastic start to teaching.

My foray into teaching began

Indicates the start of an initial exploration or attempt at teaching.

I assumed my teaching responsibilities

Focuses on taking on the duties and obligations of teaching.

I embarked on a teaching path

Suggests the start of a journey or career in teaching.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "I started teaching"?

You can use alternatives like "I began teaching", "I took up teaching", or "I commenced my teaching career" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I started teaching"?

Yes, the phrase "I started teaching" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English.

How can I make the phrase "I started teaching" more specific?

To be more specific, you can add details such as "I started teaching "English literature"", "I started teaching at the local high school", or "I started teaching in 2010".

What's the difference between "I started teaching" and "I began to teach"?

While both are correct, "I started teaching" implies a more continuous or ongoing action, whereas "I began to teach" might suggest a more immediate or specific instance. However, in many contexts, they are interchangeable.