I started to acquire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to acquire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of a process of gaining knowledge, skills, or possessions. Example: "I started to acquire new skills in programming after enrolling in the online course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I started to acquire a nail polish addiction, especially Chanel polish," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

An idea so illogical that, when you think about it long enough, it starts to acquire a kind of subtle brilliance in its stupidity.

Vice

So I've started to acquire a historical perspective about certain things, and I've also become interested in China's social problems, its economic problems, its political problems.

The New York Times

I had quite literally jumped off the deep end and, after a few desperate splashes, started to acquire a set of sea legs.

Vice

"It started to acquire this reputation as a supernatural plant".

The Guardian - Books

There was a real awakening when the dancers started to acquire some of the freedom Balanchine always encouraged.

The New York Times - Arts

Collectors started to acquire them seriously in the 1970s.

Forbes

The animation started to acquire a higher profile.

Forbes

In order to insure themselves, those countries started to acquire farmland under their control.

Agricultural and Food Economics

At the same time a spontaneous movement was started to acquire a public collection of his pictures.

Johns Hopkins University

Time started to acquire a fluid quality, expanding and contracting.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started to acquire" when you want to express the initial phase of gaining something, be it knowledge, skills, or possessions. It conveys a sense of beginning a process that may continue over time.

Common error

Avoid using "I started to acquire" if you're describing a one-time acquisition. This phrase suggests a continuous process, not a single event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to acquire" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of an action. It shows the subject's initiation into gaining or obtaining something, whether it is knowledge, skill, or a physical object. Ludwig's examples illustrate varied contexts, such as acquiring a nail polish addiction or developing a historical perspective.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I started to acquire" signifies the initiation of a process of gaining or obtaining something, be it tangible or intangible. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and reveals that it is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. The phrase implies a continuous action and should not be used for single-event acquisitions. While alternatives like "I began to obtain" exist, "I started to acquire" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various writing styles. Overall, it's a useful phrase for setting the stage and providing context when describing the beginning of an acquisition process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to obtain

Replaces 'started' with 'began' and 'acquire' with 'obtain', suggesting a more formal and deliberate effort.

I commenced to gather

Uses 'commenced' for a more formal tone and 'gather' emphasizing collection over time.

I initiated the process of gaining

Highlights the start of a process, focusing on the act of gaining something.

I took up accumulating

Emphasizes a deliberate action to accumulate something, suggesting a collection over time.

I set about getting

Implies a determined effort to get or achieve something.

I developed an interest in obtaining

Focuses on developing an interest that leads to acquiring something, often knowledge or skills.

I found myself gathering

Suggests a more passive or unintentional start to acquiring something.

I launched into accumulating

Implies an energetic and enthusiastic start to accumulating something.

I embarked on the journey of learning

Highlights the start of a learning experience, suggesting a longer-term commitment.

I turned to collecting

Focuses on a shift in interest towards collecting something, suggesting a hobby or passion.

FAQs

How can I use "I started to acquire" in a sentence?

You can use "I started to acquire" when you want to indicate the beginning of gaining knowledge, skills, or possessions. For example, "I started to acquire new skills in programming after enrolling in the online course".

What are some alternatives to "I started to acquire"?

You can use alternatives like "I began to obtain", "I commenced to gather", or "I initiated the process of gaining" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "I started to acquire" and "I acquired"?

"I started to acquire" indicates the beginning of a process, while "I acquired" suggests the completion of the acquisition. The former emphasizes the ongoing nature of gaining something, while the latter focuses on the result.

Which is better, "I started to acquire" or "I began to acquire"?

Both "I started to acquire" and "I began to acquire" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired tone. "Began" might sound slightly more formal.