I started to think about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to think about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the beginning of a thought process or consideration regarding a specific topic. Example: "I started to think about the implications of climate change on our future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I was thinking about race and stereotypes, and I started to think about how I could grapple with these ideas," he says.

Los Angeles Times

I started to think about moving out.

The New Yorker

That's when I started to think about medicine.

Independent

Of course, I started to think about it.

The New Yorker

For some reason, I started to think about Anvil.

Independent

"So I started to think about filling that need.

The New York Times

I started to think about a new restaurant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's when I started to think about the word flotage.

The Guardian - Books

'I started to think about other things,' she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I started to think about the value of money," he says.

The New York Times

"I started to think about my own parents and about my own wife," Clark added.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "I began to consider" or "I started pondering" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

While "I started to think about" is perfectly acceptable, overusing it in formal contexts can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Opt for stronger verbs or more concise phrasing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to think about" functions as a narrative device, signaling the commencement of a cognitive process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and commonly used construction. It serves to introduce a new consideration, reflection, or shift in perspective, indicating the initiation of mental engagement with a particular topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started to think about" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase widely used to indicate the beginning of a thought process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in narrative writing and when expressing a shift in perspective. While very common, consider diversifying your vocabulary with alternatives like "I began to consider" or "I started pondering" for enhanced writing style. Be aware of the possibility of overuse in formal writing and choose stronger verbs or more concise phrasings when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to consider

Replaces "started" with "began" and "think about" with the more formal "consider".

I started pondering

Replaces "think about" with "pondering", implying a more thoughtful and prolonged consideration.

I commenced contemplating

Substitutes "started" with "commenced" and uses the more sophisticated verb "contemplating" instead of "think about".

I found myself considering

Highlights the involuntary or unexpected nature of the thought process.

I turned my attention to

Indicates a shift in focus, suggesting a more deliberate concentration.

I gave thought to

Emphasizes the act of dedicating mental energy to a specific topic.

I entertained the idea of

Suggests considering something new or previously unconsidered.

I reflected on

Implies a deeper, more introspective consideration.

I became aware of

Focuses on the initial realization or recognition that prompts the thought process.

It occurred to me that

Indicates a sudden realization or idea that sparked the thought process.

FAQs

How can I use "I started to think about" in a sentence?

You can use "I started to think about" to introduce a new consideration or shift in perspective within a narrative. For example, "After hearing her story, "I started to think about" the challenges faced by refugees."

What can I say instead of "I started to think about"?

You can use alternatives like "I began to consider", "I started pondering", or "I gave thought to" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I started to think about"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules, using a subject ("I"), a verb ("started"), an infinitive ("to think"), and a preposition ("about").

What's the difference between "I started to think about" and "I began to think about"?

The difference is minimal. Both phrases convey the beginning of a thought process. "Began" might sound slightly more formal than "started", but they are largely interchangeable.