I started to consider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to consider" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express that you began thinking about something. For example: "When my friend mentioned the possibility of getting a dog, I started to consider whether I had the time to give it enough attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I started to consider options in Europe.

The New York Times

Funny, as I was writing it I started to consider the same point.

The New York Times

I started to consider a degree as an option for me.

The Guardian

Times have changed, but I started to consider that our child would pay the price for our being libertarians.

The New York Times

At the end of the 90s I started to consider the pros and cons of having an artificial cochlear implant.

The Guardian - Music

Soon I started to consider the unthinkable: returning home early to Melbourne, to structure and a sound state of mind, to my girlfriend, my family and my job.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But then I start to consider the commitment and it becomes overwhelming.

The Guardian - Opinion

If I'm feeling caught up in routine annoyances, I start to consider what I will be thinking about on my deathbed and my entire perspective shifts.

Huffington Post

Black History Month is rooted in a certain idea of blackness, and it gives me pause when I start to consider who made that up.

Vice

All of this has made me question my relationship to the project and to Dunaliella, and I have started to consider that I may be married to the data but divorced from the species I'm studying.

F1000Research

"I have started to consider that I will never be at home, perhaps not even in death," she writes.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started to consider" to clearly indicate the beginning of a thought process or when evaluating different options.

Common error

Avoid using "I started to consider" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "I began to think about" or "I entertained the idea of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to consider" functions as an introductory expression, indicating the commencement of a cognitive process. It sets the stage for further deliberation or evaluation of a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started to consider" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate the beginning of a thought process or evaluation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While versatile, it's best used in neutral contexts, primarily in news and media, and can be substituted with alternatives like "I began to think about" for varied expression. Remember to use it deliberately to enhance clarity and avoid overuse for stylistic finesse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to think about

Replaces 'consider' with 'think about', indicating a slightly less formal contemplation.

I commenced contemplating

Substitutes 'started' with 'commenced' and 'consider' with 'contemplating', making the phrase more formal.

I turned my attention to

Indicates a shift in focus towards a particular subject for evaluation.

I entertained the idea of

Focuses on the acceptance of an idea into one's thoughts for consideration.

I gave thought to

Similar to 'think about' but can imply a deeper level of reflection.

I weighed the possibility of

Highlights the evaluation of a potential outcome or action.

I took into consideration

Emphasizes the act of including something in one's evaluation.

I started pondering

Replaces 'consider' with 'pondering', suggesting a more thoughtful and perhaps uncertain consideration.

I reflected on

Implies a deep and thoughtful consideration of something, often with a sense of introspection.

I became aware of

Indicates an initial realization or understanding that prompts further consideration.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I started to consider" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, try using phrases such as "I commenced contemplating" or "I began to think about", which add a layer of sophistication to your writing.

What's a more casual alternative to "I started to consider"?

If you're aiming for a more relaxed tone, you could say "I began to think about" or "I gave thought to", which are less formal ways to express the same idea.

How does "I started to consider" differ from "I decided to"?

"I started to consider" indicates the beginning of a thought process, while "I decided to" implies that a decision has already been made. The former is exploratory, while the latter is conclusive.

Is it correct to say "I began considering" instead of "I started to consider"?

Yes, "I began considering" is a grammatically correct and stylistically similar alternative. It simply replaces the phrase "started to" with the single word "began".