I started to understand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing something that you have recently begun to comprehend or grasp. For example: After researching the topic for several hours, I started to understand the implications of climate change on human society.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I started to understand, that Christmas.

The Guardian - Opinion

I met him, and I started to understand.

The Guardian

Because of these visits on my motorcycle, I started to understand what was really going on.

The New York Times

That night I started to understand and admire what my father did.

The New York Times

And I started to understand how these people think the book is theirs, everybody does.

Independent

Instead, I started to understand that the show was never coming back.

The New Yorker

"That's when I started to understand what it meant to be Arab," he said.

The New Yorker

"I started to understand what President Bush had been saying about this country's resolve".

The New York Times - Travel

Back on the road, I started to understand how repurposing is one key to preserving rural communities.

The New York Times - Travel

And that was a moment when I started to understand, oh, it doesn't all work the way you've planned it.

The New York Times

"I grew really fond of the plane as I started to understand how she was extremely vital in our survival".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I started to understand", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are beginning to comprehend. Provide enough information so the reader understands the subject of your newfound understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "I started to understand" without specifying what you began to understand. Vague statements can leave the reader confused about the scope and subject of your comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to understand" functions as a declarative statement expressing the commencement of a cognitive process. It indicates the initial phase of gaining comprehension, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started to understand" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the beginning of comprehension. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous real-world examples across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While perfectly acceptable, writers should ensure clarity by specifying the subject of their understanding and considering more nuanced alternatives like "I began to grasp" or "I came to realize" where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I came to realize

Highlights the moment of becoming aware or conscious of something.

I began to grasp

Emphasizes a gradual and firm understanding taking hold.

I grew to appreciate

Suggests a gradual development of understanding and valuing something.

I commenced to comprehend

Formal alternative suggesting the beginning of a thorough understanding.

I discerned

Implies perceiving or recognizing something subtle.

I turned to understanding

Highlights the act of turning to a point of comprehension.

I was getting a handle on

Informal, indicating that you were starting to control the understanding of something.

I'm coming to terms with

Suggests accepting or resigning oneself to something unpleasant.

The penny dropped

Idiomatic expression for a sudden understanding.

Light dawned on me

Poetic, indicating a moment of sudden revelation.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "I began to grasp", "I came to realize", or "I grew to appreciate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Use "I started to understand" when you want to express the beginning of a comprehension process. For example: "After reading the manual, I started to understand how the machine works."

What is the difference between "I started to understand" and "I understood"?

"I started to understand" indicates the initial phase of gaining knowledge, while "I understood" suggests complete comprehension. The first implies a process, the second a result.

Is it better to say "I began to understand" or "I started to understand"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "I began to understand" might be perceived as slightly more formal, but the difference is minimal.