I started to use

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "I started to use" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the beginning of a new action. For example, "I started to use public transport to get to work instead of driving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

So I started to use a colored bag".

The New York Times

I started to use crack when I was eight-years-old".

Independent

When I started to use Tiens toothpaste, the pain went away".

The Guardian

I started to use the material in a much more free way.

The Guardian - Arts

"I didn't believe in it until I started to use the big camera.

The New York Times - Arts

So then I started to use – in inverted commas – "real people" as well as actors.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

If I start to use it for other indications, then it may well be possible that I cannot use it for patients who are more likely to benefit from its use.

Critical Care

I've started to use the Kindle because I've outbuilt my house with all the books.

The New York Times

The reason, of course, was that I'd started to use Twitter for that kind of personal stuff.

TechCrunch

"Ever since this experience, I've started to use a diverse range of colors, especially bright ones".  .

Vice

(FG B) "Actually, that's one of the reasons I have started to use it a lot more.

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a new habit or method, follow "I started to use" with a specific and concrete noun or verb phrase to clarify what you began using, for example: "I started to use online resources for research."

Common error

Avoid following "I started to use" with overly general or abstract terms. Instead of saying "I started to use things differently", be specific: "I started to use project management software to organize my tasks."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to use" functions as the beginning of a description of an action that the speaker has initiated. It indicates a change in behavior or methodology, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples where speakers describe beginning to use new tools, substances, or methods.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started to use" is a versatile phrase that signals the commencement of a new activity or method. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for diverse contexts ranging from news reports to casual conversation. To maximize clarity, be sure to follow this phrase with specific details about what you've begun utilizing and why. While Ludwig examples show this phrase is common, consider using alternatives like "I began utilizing" or "I took up using" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I've started utilizing

Uses a present perfect construction to emphasize the ongoing relevance of the action.

I have begun to use

Uses "begun" which is slightly more formal than "started".

I began utilizing

Replaces "started to use" with a more formal synonym, "utilizing".

I commenced using

Employs "commenced" for "started", indicating a formal beginning.

I took up using

Uses "took up" to suggest a beginning, which can imply regular use now.

I initiated the use of

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the beginning of the use.

I transitioned to using

Highlights a change from not using to using, a shift or change is implied.

I adopted the practice of using

Indicates a conscious decision to incorporate something into one's routine.

I turned to using

Suggests using something as a solution or alternative to a previous method.

I made a start at using

Highlights the beginning of the use but the activity may be ongoing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I started to use" in a formal context?

In formal settings, you can replace "I started to use" with alternatives such as "I commenced "using"", "I began "utilizing"", or "I initiated the "use of"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's a more casual way to say "I started to use"?

For a more casual tone, consider phrases like "I took up "using"" or "I turned to "using"", which suggest a less formal adoption of something new.

Is it correct to say "I began to use" instead of "I started to use"?

Yes, "I began to use" is a perfectly acceptable and often interchangeable alternative to "I started to use". "Began" is slightly more formal, but both phrases convey the initiation of an action.

How can I provide more context after saying "I started to use"?

After stating "I started to use", provide specific details about what you began "using" and why. For instance, "I started to use a new software to streamline my workflow" offers clear and concise information.