I started to go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to go" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of an action or intention to leave a place or situation. Example: "I started to go when I realized I had forgotten my keys."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I started to go.

The New Yorker

Then I started to go.

The Guardian

I started to go to church every Sunday.

The New York Times - Arts

It was after that I started to go nuts.

The New Yorker

I started to go to the toilet relentlessly.

The Guardian

"I started to go get some popcorn and watch".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

I start to go over his record beyond Section 28 – and slap into a brick wall.

Independent

If I don't have sex every day, I start to go a bit weird.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then I start to go into my recorded television, which usually consists of "Girls," "The Good Wife" and "Downton Abbey".

The New York Times

"Then I start to go up there: they make me foreman, then supervisor, project manager".

The New York Times

"I'm definitely aware of it and when I start to go fast I think I should slow down a bit.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started to go" when describing the initial phase of an action or movement, especially when you want to emphasize the beginning of a change in state or location.

Common error

Avoid using "I started to go" without clarifying where you intended to go or what action you intended to perform. Always provide context to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to go" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action or movement. Ludwig demonstrates that it's commonly used to describe the initiation of leaving or beginning a certain activity. The expression is usually completed by adding a destination or specific action after "go".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I started to go" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the beginning of an action or movement. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to provide context to clarify the intended destination or action. The phrase enjoys broad acceptance, making it a reliable choice in both informal and formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was starting to move

Focuses on the process of beginning movement.

I began to leave

More formal alternative, emphasizing the initiation of departure.

I was about to leave

Highlights the imminence of departure.

I commenced moving

Highly formal alternative, highlighting the beginning of physical movement.

I set off

Implies the beginning of a journey or trip.

I prepared to depart

Implies readiness and intention to leave.

I initiated departure

A formal and less common way to express starting to leave.

I got underway

Suggests the start of an activity or journey, often nautical in origin.

I took off

Informal, implying a quick or sudden departure.

I made a start at leaving

Emphasizes the initial attempt to depart.

FAQs

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

Use "I started to go" to describe the beginning of a movement or action. For example: "I started to go home, but then I remembered I had left my keys."

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

You can use alternatives like "I began to leave", "I commenced moving", or "I set off depending on the context.

Is "I started going" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I started going" is grammatically correct and often used interchangeably with "I started to go". Both are acceptable, though "I started going" might be slightly more common in contemporary usage.

What's the difference between "I started to go" and "I was starting to go"?

"I started to go" suggests a more definitive beginning of an action, while "I was starting to go" implies a gradual or less certain commencement.