I started to believe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to believe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a shift in your mindset or perspective, indicating that you began to have faith or confidence in something. Example: "After hearing her story, I started to believe that miracles could happen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

I started to believe people.

Princeton University

I started to believe again.

The Guardian

And I started to believe it.

The Guardian

Then I started to believe her.

The Guardian - Opinion

Listening to that Schubert rendition, I started to believe it.

The Washington Post

Then I started to believe it could be a reality".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

God is testing my atheism by throwing pretty hefty thunderbolts my way to see how many it will take before I start to believe in him.

The Guardian - Opinion

But now he writes: "I start to believe our best bet would be to go bankrupt... so the IMF can impose proper rules on our economy again".

The Guardian

Only when England's lead edged past 230 did I start to believe they might have enough.

BBC

That observation begs the question, "How do I start to believe in myself?" For starters, you can let yourself off the hook.

Forbes

As I reap the benefits of his enthusiasms, I start to believe he is the Match.com of cooking.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started to believe", ensure the context provides a clear indication of what influenced this shift in belief. This adds credibility and depth to your statement.

Common error

While "I started to believe" is acceptable, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal or academic writing, consider more nuanced alternatives like "I concluded", "I inferred", or "I became convinced" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to believe" functions as a declarative statement expressing a shift in the speaker's conviction or acceptance. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started to believe" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a shift in one's convictions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, supported by numerous examples across varied contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase serves to narrate a transition in belief, suitable for both personal accounts and objective reporting. While versatile, it's advisable to consider nuanced alternatives in highly formal settings. Remember to provide context to highlight what prompted this shift in belief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I came to believe

Emphasizes the arrival at a belief after a period of consideration.

I became convinced

Highlights a state of being persuaded or assured.

I grew to believe

Suggests a gradual development of belief over time.

I began to think

Focuses more on the onset of a thought process rather than a belief.

I accepted the idea

Emphasizes the acceptance of a concept or notion.

I started trusting

Replaces "believe" with "trusting", focusing on reliance and confidence.

I started to think so

Indicates a movement towards a particular thought or opinion.

I had a change of heart

Focuses on a shift in emotion or attitude, leading to a change in belief.

I entertained the thought

Highlights the consideration of a possibility, not necessarily full belief.

I started to suspect

Suggests the beginning of doubt or mistrust, a negative form of belief.

FAQs

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

Use "I started to believe" to express a shift in your thinking or confidence about something. For example, "After seeing the evidence, "I started to believe" that he was innocent."

What can I say instead of "I started to believe"?

Alternatives include "I came to believe", "I began to think", or "I became convinced", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "I started to believe" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It follows the standard subject-verb-infinitive structure.

What's the difference between "I used to believe" and "I started to believe"?

"I used to believe" implies a past belief that is no longer held, while "I started to believe" signifies the beginning of a belief that may or may not continue. The former focuses on a discontinued state, and the latter on a transition.