I started to make

USAGE SUMMARY

'I started to make' is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to indicate the beginning of an action, for example: "I started to make dinner, but then I realized I had forgotten to buy the ingredients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I started to make a lighthearted rejoinder.

The New York Times

"I started to make sound effects with the guitar.

Independent

"So in 1970 I started to make a feature film.

The New Yorker

I started to make my way back into the world.

The Guardian - Opinion

When I started to make changes, my employees felt that I was changing the rules unfairly.

The New York Times

My friends and I started to make them when we were at college.

The Guardian

Then towards the end of the 1970s, I started to make jewellery for her.

Independent

"At the end of each set, I started to make more returns.

Independent

I went for it today, and I started to make a few mistakes after that".

The New York Times - Sports

I started to make movies for the studios in the 70s.

The Guardian - Film

But once I started to make desserts, crumbles and pies at home, it caught on.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started to make", ensure the context clearly indicates what you began to create or do. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using overly generic verbs after "I started to make". Instead of "I started to make things", specify what you started making, such as "I started to make furniture" or "I started to make a cake".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to make" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. As Ludwig AI points out, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show its use in various contexts, from making art to making mistakes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started to make" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the beginning of an action or creation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is very common, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about what you began to do. While alternatives exist, such as "I began to create", the best choice depends on the desired tone and emphasis. Avoid vague language and ensure clarity in your writing. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively communicate your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started creating

A more concise alternative, replacing "to make" with "creating".

I began to create

Replaces "started to make" with "began to create", focusing on the act of creation.

I commenced making

Uses "commenced making" for a more formal tone.

I set about creating

Implies a determined start to creation.

I undertook to create

Emphasizes the commitment to creating something.

I initiated the process of making

More verbose, emphasizing the initiation of a process.

I embarked on making

Implies a significant undertaking.

I got down to making

Informal, suggesting a practical approach to making.

I turned to crafting

Highlights the skill involved in the making process.

I launched into production

Suggests a larger scale of making, more like manufacturing.

FAQs

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

Use "I started to make" to indicate the beginning of an action or creation. For example, "I started to make dinner but realized I was missing an ingredient."

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

You can use alternatives like "I began to create", "I commenced making", or "I initiated the process of making" depending on the context and desired formality.

Is it correct to say "I started making" instead of "I started to make"?

Yes, "I started making" is also correct and often sounds more natural. Both "I started to make" and "I started making" are acceptable, with subtle differences in nuance. The continuous form often implies greater duration or a more immersive beginning.

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

"I started to make" implies the commencement of an action that may or may not be completed. "I decided to make", on the other hand, focuses on the decision or intention to create something, without necessarily implying that the action has begun.