I started to refer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to refer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating the beginning of the action of mentioning or directing someone to a source or information. Example: "I started to refer to the research paper during my presentation to support my arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Sometime in the second year, his mother and I started to refer to each other in the presence of others as "my wife" and "my husband".

The New York Times - Style

One of the numerous images you see of Che Guevara--often barechested and sexy; I started to refer to him as the "Marilyn Monroe of Cuba".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I've started to refer to that feeling as Lanely (L.A. Lonely).

Huffington Post

Local services started to refer people unofficially.

The Guardian

I've seen these guys start to refer to their games as albums, so why can't I as a musician make a game myself?

The Guardian - Music

We start to refer to their table as the talent table.

Vice

"I never picked up on them until I started to see sheer versions," she said, referring to diaphanous varieties that appeared on spring runways at Jil Sander, Chloé, Marc Jacobs and Lanvin, among others.

The New York Times

"We just synchronized ourselves for the start, that is when they started Charlie Hebdo and I started to do the police," he said, referring to the magazine attack and the policewoman's killing a day later.

Los Angeles Times

As soon as I started referring to my customers as guests, I detected an almost imperceptible softness towards them creep up on me.

Huffington Post

Start to casually refer to your apartment as home.

WikiHow

Here I was starting to really enjoy referring to myself in third person.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started to refer" to signal a shift in how something is being addressed or understood. This can add nuance to your writing by highlighting a change in perspective or terminology.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "I started to refer" in close proximity, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "I began to mention", "I then cited", or other contextually appropriate alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to refer" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. As indicated by Ludwig, it denotes the initiation of mentioning or directing someone to a source or information. It is used to introduce a shift in terminology or the beginning of a specific reference.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I started to refer" is a grammatically correct way to indicate the beginning of using a specific term, concept, or source. Ludwig's analysis of the phrase confirms that it is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While the frequency of this phrase is uncommon, it is important to use it in contexts where signaling the introduction of a new reference point is necessary. To avoid redundancy, try alternative phrases such as "I began to call" or "I commenced to mention". As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s a perfectly valid and usable English phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started calling it

Highlights the new name or identifier to something.

I began to call

Implies the initiation of using a specific name or term.

I started to name

Highlights the initiation of naming something.

I commenced to mention

Highlights the beginning of a verbal or written reference.

I initially termed

Emphasizes the start of using a particular term or label.

I initiated mentioning

Emphasizes a formal start to bringing up a subject.

I have come to call

Emphasizes a recent adoption of a name or term.

I proceeded to allude

Suggests an indirect reference or hint.

I then cited

Focuses on the act of quoting or mentioning a specific source.

I went on to name

Indicates a sequential action of specifying a name.

FAQs

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

You can use "I started to refer" to introduce a new term or concept, as in "I started to refer to the project as 'Operation Phoenix' after its initial setbacks".

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

Some alternatives include "I began to call", "I commenced to mention", or "I initiated mentioning", depending on the specific context.

Is "I started to refer to" or "I started referring to" more correct?

Both "I started to refer to" and "I started referring to" are grammatically correct. "I started referring to" is generally more common in contemporary usage.

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

"I started to refer" indicates the beginning of the act of referring, while "I used to refer" implies a past habit or practice that is no longer current.