I started to translate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to translate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that you began the process of translating something, such as a text or document. Example: "I started to translate the article last night, but I didn't finish it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I was tempted to replace it with "positron" — the chapter was about positrons — but reminding myself of my duty as a translator, I started to translate: Imagine a possum at point A and at time t, so that, at time t¹, we suspect it to be at point A¹.

The New Yorker

I was tempted to replace it with "positron" — the chapter was about positrons — but reminding myself of my duty as a translator, I started to translate: Imagine a possum at point A and at time t, so that, at time _t_¹, we suspect it to be at point A¹.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I grabbed the students' textbook and started to translate it and rehearse it so I knew what words to say and how to best explain it in Spanish.

Huffington Post

The revamp has started to translate into better sales and profits.

The Guardian - Business

The librarian, the court found, had started to translate the book and then tried to send part of it to Mr. Giedroyc in Paris.

The New York Times - Arts

The sheer enormity of the task ahead began to emerge as analysts started to translate what the new global warming and carbon emissions goals would mean in reality.

Independent

"We are very encouraged that our team's execution against our business strategy has started to translate into financial results," chief executive Stephen Elop said.

BBC

It was at a university where a Jewish Studies professor Deborah Lipstadt started to translate anti-holocaust-denial books into Arabic and Farsi.

Huffington Post

The massive entry of women into the paid workforce had not started to translate into real social and political influence for women until recently.

Huffington Post

To measure how care is provided in German practices, researchers have started to translate-and tried to culturally adapt the ACIC instrument.

BMC Health Services Research

In starting to translate the New Testament, I was suddenly struck by a singular idea – that you have to be Jewish to be able to do it".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started to translate", ensure the context clearly indicates what you began translating. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "I started to translate" without mentioning the source material. Specify the document, language, or content you're working on to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to translate" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of an action. It describes the beginning of the process of translating something from one language to another. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started to translate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that indicates the commencement of a translation activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. The phrase is versatile and suitable for different levels of formality, with a neutral register. While primarily seen in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, its simplicity makes it broadly applicable. Remember to specify what you're translating for clarity. Alternatives such as "I began translating" or "I commenced translating" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began translating

Replaces "started" with "began", indicating a formal beginning of translation.

I commenced translating

Uses "commenced" to suggest a more formal and official start to the translation process.

I initiated the translation

Emphasizes the act of initiating or setting in motion the translation process.

I undertook the translation

Implies taking on the responsibility or task of translating.

I set about translating

Suggests starting the translation with a specific goal or intention.

I proceeded to translate

Indicates moving forward with the translation as the next step.

I got down to translating

Implies a practical and focused start to translating.

I dived into the translation

Suggests an immediate and immersive start to the translation work.

I embarked on the translation

Presents the translation as a journey or endeavor that is being started.

I launched into translation

Implies an energetic and forceful start to the translation.

FAQs

What is the difference between "I started to translate" and "I began translating"?

While both phrases indicate the commencement of a translation process, "I began translating" may sound slightly more formal. "I started to translate" is generally more common and versatile.

What can I say instead of "I started to translate"?

You can use alternatives like "I began translating", "I commenced translating", or "I initiated the translation" depending on the context.

How to use "I started to translate" in a sentence?

Use "I started to translate" to indicate the beginning of a translation task. For example, "I started to translate the novel yesterday" or "I started to translate the document into Spanish."

Is it correct to say "I started translating" instead of "I started to translate"?

Yes, "I started translating" is also correct and often considered more concise. Both forms are acceptable, but "I started translating" is generally preferred in contemporary usage.