I started to be like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to be like" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a change in behavior or attitude, often in a casual or conversational context. Example: "After spending time with my friends, I started to be like them, more carefree and spontaneous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I started to be like 'Wait a second.

Vice

He was writing about the emo scene and that's when I started to be like, 'Oh shit, this is like, a thing that's happening' and we kind of got caught up in all of that.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"When I was doing interviews in the early 2000s, I was starting to be talked to like I was a lad," he says, with a grimace.

The Guardian - Music

She found previously that "it was very fast.... Once I got back and I started to work, it was like I'd never had a break".

Science Magazine

"But you know when you're putting well, I started to feel like I was a little more in control of my ball, just felt like I was tightening my draws and fades a little bit.

Los Angeles Times

"I started to feel like this is what I'm supposed to do.

The Guardian

That was really it, and I started to feel like, 'That's really interesting.' .

Los Angeles Times

I started to feel like I was channelling spirits.

The Guardian - Music

But I started to feel like I was going into myself.

The Guardian - Sport

I love a cute-cut jean, but I started to feel like I was wearing the same thing every day.

The New York Times

"I started to feel like he was someone I had known for a very long time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started to be like" to describe a noticeable change in your behavior or attitude, especially when comparing yourself to someone or something else. This phrase is suitable for informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "I started to be like" in formal essays or professional reports. Instead, opt for more sophisticated phrases like "I began to emulate" or "I found myself adopting similar traits".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to be like" functions as a descriptive statement indicating a change in one's behavior or attitude. It illustrates a shift towards resembling someone or something, which Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started to be like" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a shift in behavior or attitude, often resembling someone or something else. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's best suited for informal contexts. Alternatives such as "I began to resemble" or "I found myself behaving as" may be more appropriate for formal writing. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started acting more like

Specifies an increase in behavior that mimics another person or thing.

I began to resemble

Focuses on the similarity in appearance or behavior that developed over time.

I found myself behaving as

Emphasizes the unintentional or gradual shift in one's behavior.

I commenced acting as

Highlights the initiation of a particular behavior or role.

I grew to become

Indicates a gradual transformation into a different state or character.

I began to seem like

Focuses on the impression or appearance one gives off.

I turned into

Suggests a complete transformation into something or someone else.

I developed into

Expresses that there's a developing/evolving trait that wasn't present before

I started to get the feeling that

Focuses on change in sentiment rather than specific behaviors or likenesses

I began to transform into

Indicates a significant and noticeable change.

FAQs

What does "I started to be like" mean?

The phrase "I started to be like" indicates a shift in behavior or attitude, suggesting that the speaker began to resemble someone or something in their actions or thoughts.

What can I say instead of "I started to be like"?

You can use alternatives like "I began to resemble", "I commenced acting as", or "I found myself behaving as" depending on the context.

Is "I started to be like" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I started to be like" is grammatically correct and understandable, particularly in informal conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

In what situations is it best to use "I started to be like"?

It's best to use "I started to be like" in casual settings when describing a personal change in behavior or attitude due to external influence or internal realization. Avoid in formal writing.