I started thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started thought" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "I started to think"? If this is the case, you can use it when you want to express the beginning of a thought process or reflection. Example: "I started to think about the implications of my decision and how it would affect my future."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"And I started thought, well, where would that message be?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then I start think, Am I alone?

Huffington Post

"When I started, I thought about 'Traviata' and other well-known operas," Ms. Antonacci said.

The New York Times - Arts

"When I started, I thought I'd have more help," she says.

Forbes

I started to think I could create a big company on the Internet for Latin America, which nobody thought would work.

Forbes

"I started to think," Harris said later.

The New Yorker

After that call, I started to think.

The New York Times

I started to think way too much.

The New York Times - Sports

I started to think about moving out.

The New Yorker

Then I started to think.

The New York Times

I started to think that I could do this again.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider alternatives like "I began considering" or "I initiated a thought process" for greater precision and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "I started thought" as it is grammatically incorrect. This phrasing does not follow standard English grammar rules and can lead to confusion. Instead, use "I started thinking" or "I began to think".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started thought" is intended to express the initiation of a thought process. However, it is grammatically incorrect. A correct alternative would be "I started thinking", which functions as a verb phrase indicating the beginning of a continuous action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I started thought" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. Ludwig confirms this assessment. While it may occasionally appear in informal contexts or quoted speech, the correct phrasing is "I started thinking" or "I began to think". These alternatives accurately convey the initiation of a thought process. When in doubt, opting for grammatically sound alternatives ensures clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to think

Replaces "started thought" with the more grammatically correct "began to think", maintaining a similar meaning.

I started thinking

Corrects the grammar by using the gerund form "thinking" after "started", indicating the beginning of a continuous thought process.

I began considering

Uses "began considering" as a more formal and grammatically sound alternative to express the initiation of a thought process.

I started to consider

Replaces the noun "thought" with the verb "to consider", improving grammatical accuracy.

I commenced thinking

Substitutes "started" with "commenced", offering a more formal way to indicate the beginning of a thought process.

I initiated thinking

Uses "initiated" to convey the start of a thought process, providing a slightly more formal tone.

I conceived the idea

Focuses on the formation of an idea, rather than just the process of thinking.

I entertained the notion

Expresses the act of considering an idea or possibility.

I gave thought to

Emphasizes the act of dedicating consideration to something.

I turned my mind to

Highlights the redirection of one's attention and thought process towards a specific subject.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "I started thought"?

The correct way to express the beginning of a thought process is "I started thinking" or "I began to think". The phrase "I started thought" is grammatically incorrect.

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

Instead of "I started thought", you can use phrases like "I began to think", "I started thinking", or "I began considering".

Is "I started thought" grammatically correct?

No, "I started thought" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrasing is "I started thinking", using the gerund form of the verb "think".

What's the difference between "I started thought" and "I started thinking"?

"I started thought" is grammatically incorrect and not used in standard English. "I started thinking", on the other hand, is grammatically correct and means that you began the process of thinking about something.