I started to check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to check" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of an action related to verifying or examining something. Example: "I started to check the documents for any errors before submitting them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

When I started to check the math with Andreessen, he made a jerking-off motion and said "Blah-blah-blah.

The New Yorker

Then, just as I started to check off "peanut butter, creamy," I caught a glimpse out of the corner of my eye of a phenomenon so shockingly miraculous that I nearly swapped smooth for chunky.

The New York Times - Tech

I started to check out the band's gigs and found that Jake Black (aka D Wayne Love), one of the band's founding members, and I had many mutual friends from our raving days in Glasgow, stretching back to the punk era.

The Guardian - Music

I started to check out these beds as I was DJing because I was elevated from everybody.

Vice

I've always been a big fan of Velvet Underground, Tom Waits, PJ Harvey… so, I started to check what type of guitars they used, etc… and eventually that led me to analog recording.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It became clear who was supposed to be in my life and their roles, the goals I thought were impossible started to check off my list, and the biggest issue I felt was out of reach was indeed right in front of me.

Huffington Post

And then I got scared and started to check again".

BMC Family Practice

He started to check for injuries.

BBC

You can start to check in about your compatibility.

WikiHow

To start to get back into it I started to measure and check where the Blu-Tack was and move it a bit, my crazy bits of 3D.

The Guardian - Arts

"I started to speak to her and checked her airway but I did not move her," she said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started to check", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are checking and why. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I started to check" without specifying what was being checked. Vague usage can weaken your writing. Always provide the object of your checking for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to check" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes the initiation of a verification or examination process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started to check" is a versatile verb phrase used to indicate the beginning of a verification or examination process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. While versatile, ensure you specify the object of checking for clarity. Alternatives like "I began to verify" can add nuance. The phrase is primarily found in news and media contexts but also appears in wikis and science-related content. Therefore, use "I started to check" when you want to explicitly state the beginning of an examination or verification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to verify

Replaces 'started to check' with 'began to verify', focusing on the act of confirming something's truth.

I commenced checking

Uses 'commenced' to emphasize the formal initiation of the checking process.

I initiated the verification

Highlights the start of a formal verification procedure.

I set about examining

Focuses on the detailed examination aspect of the checking process.

I undertook to inspect

Implies a more formal and thorough approach to inspection.

I proceeded to audit

Suggests a systematic review, especially in a business or financial context.

I got down to scrutinizing

Emphasizes the act of carefully and critically examining something.

I launched an investigation into

Implies the start of a more formal or official inquiry.

I turned to reviewing

Focuses on the act of going through something to assess its quality or suitability.

I embarked on assessing

Highlights the starting point of an evaluation or assessment process.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "I began to verify", "I commenced checking", or "I initiated the verification" depending on the context.

How do I use "I started to check" in a sentence?

Use "I started to check" to describe the beginning of an action where you are verifying or examining something. For example, "I started to check the documents for errors."

What is the difference between "I started to check" and "I checked"?

"I started to check" implies the beginning of the action, while "I checked" indicates that the action was completed. For example, "I started to check the list" means you began but may not have finished, whereas "I checked the list" means you completed the task.

Is "I started checking" grammatically correct, similar to "I started to check"?

Yes, "I started checking" is grammatically correct and often interchangeable with "I started to check". Both phrases express the beginning of an action; however, "I started checking" is more concise and often preferred in modern English.