I started tinkering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started tinkering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of an activity involving experimentation or making adjustments, often with a hands-on approach. Example: "After watching some tutorials online, I started tinkering with my old computer to see if I could upgrade its performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I started tinkering with the dough but couldn't get it right.

The New York Times - Food

At a barbecue in Vermont that weekend, my first watermelon slice of the season got me thinking, so when I returned to New York (without incident), I started tinkering.

The New York Times - Magazine

But when I started tinkering with ["Jumping Jack"], I realized this is something I could actually do," Lewin said.

Los Angeles Times

"At first I was just sending out resumes, but then I started tinkering with the 3D printing machine," he remembered.

Huffington Post

Only half aware of what I was doing, I started tinkering with each song, chopping them up, and then finding new loops.

Vice

"Grischa and I started tinkering with the idea of working on something together after I booked him to do a live set at Berliner Festspiele in 2013 for Foreign Affairs Festival.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

So in late 2014, it started tinkering with other ideas.

TechCrunch

I definitely have some possible novel ideas and one that I've already started tinkering with.

The Guardian - Books

I had a laptop and started tinkering around Photoshop.

Vice

I created Make magazine because I noticed an emerging group of enthusiasts who had started tinkering with physical things.

Forbes

I was watching her, but I was feeling the dabbing pretty good; we went outside into the front yard and started tinkering around with some moss near the roots of a tree until Brandon reminded us that she could be susceptible to mold or fungus.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started tinkering" to convey a sense of informal experimentation and hands-on exploration, especially when describing the initial phase of a project or hobby.

Common error

While "tinkering" is acceptable in many situations, in very formal or academic writing, consider using more precise terms like "experimenting", "modifying", or "adjusting" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started tinkering" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, where "started" is the main verb indicating the beginning of an action, and "tinkering" is a gerund acting as the verb's complement, describing the nature of the activity. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started tinkering" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the beginning of an informal, exploratory activity. It is commonly found in News & Media contexts, reflecting its acceptability in conveying hands-on experimentation. While "tinkering" might be too informal for certain formal settings, the phrase effectively communicates the initial stages of playful or experimental engagement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for written English, but choose alternatives such as "I began experimenting" in more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began experimenting

Focuses on the experimental aspect but is more formal than "tinkering".

I started playing around

This alternative emphasizes the exploratory and often playful nature of the initial actions.

I commenced dabbling

Implies a light, unserious approach, unlike "tinkering" which can be more focused.

I initiated modifications

Highlights the intent to change something, which is a component of "tinkering".

I took up experimenting

Indicates the beginning of a period of experimentation.

I set about adjusting

Emphasizes making small changes, which is part of "tinkering".

I got down to experimenting

Suggests a focused start to experimentation.

I got involved in customizing

Focuses specifically on personalization aspects of the initial engagement.

I undertook adjustments

More formal and emphasizes a structured approach to making changes.

I embarked on alterations

Suggests a more significant and planned undertaking than "tinkering".

FAQs

What does "I started tinkering" mean?

It means you began experimenting or making small adjustments to something, often in an informal or exploratory way.

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

You can use alternatives like "I began experimenting", "I commenced dabbling", or "I started playing around" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "I started tinkering" in formal writing?

While understandable, "I started tinkering" is generally more appropriate for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives like "I began experimenting" or "I initiated modifications".

How does "I started tinkering" differ from "I began researching"?

"I started tinkering" implies a hands-on, exploratory approach, while "I began researching" suggests a more systematic and information-gathering process. "I started tinkering" is about doing; I began researching is about learning.