I started to like

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to like" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is usually used to describe the beginning of a feeling or interest, or a change in attitude towards something. Example: I started to like sushi after trying it for the first time last week.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

I started to like cricket.

The Guardian - Sport

"Yesterday, I started to like it.

The New Yorker

"I started to like him as a friend," she said.

The New York Times

"The machine was making all those sounds, and I started to like them.

The New Yorker

"I hated it for the first year, and then I started to like it," he says.

The New Yorker

It turned out she is normal like me and I started to like her".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"If I start to like it, it's real.

The New York Times

"Am I starting to like it up there?" Paterno said.

The New York Times - Sports

I was up for it — was I starting to like the guy? — but then he abruptly wandered off to look for clients.

The New York Times - Travel

"The thing is... I've started to like football".

Independent

I've started to like him," said Trump.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started to like" to describe a change in your feelings or opinion about something. Be specific about what caused this change for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I started to like" without providing context about what you're referring to. Without context, the statement can feel vague and leave the reader wondering what sparked your change of heart.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to like" functions as a declarative statement expressing a change in sentiment or preference. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and describes the beginning of a feeling or interest. This expression commonly introduces a newly-formed positive opinion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started to like" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the beginning of a feeling of affection or interest. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable across various contexts, including news, media, and casual conversation. Usage analysis reveals that it frequently appears in news and media sources. While there aren't specific common errors associated with the expression, it's important to provide clear context, indicating what you're referring to and why your feelings have changed. Alternative phrases like "I began to enjoy" and "I grew to appreciate" can add nuance depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I found myself liking

Indicates a somewhat unexpected development of liking.

I began to enjoy

Focuses on the pleasure derived from something new.

I grew to appreciate

Emphasizes a gradual increase in liking or understanding.

I developed a fondness for

Highlights the growth of affection.

I warmed to

Implies an initial coolness that gradually turned into liking.

I came to admire

Suggests respect and liking developed over time.

I took a shine to

Informal expression for developing a quick liking.

I acquired a taste for

Emphasizes developing a liking for something that initially wasn't appealing.

I became partial to

Suggests a preference or bias developing.

I cultivated an interest in

Highlights the effort put into developing an interest.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "I started to like"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "I began to appreciate" or "I developed a fondness for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "I started to like" to describe the beginning of an interest or positive feeling. For example, "I didn't enjoy running at first, but "I started to like" it after joining a running club".

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

"I like" expresses a current feeling of enjoyment or preference. ""I started to like"" indicates a change or development in your feelings, suggesting that you didn't always feel that way.

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "I began to enjoy", "I grew to love", or "I developed an affinity for depending on the intensity of the feeling".