I started to walk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to walk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of the action of walking, often in a narrative or storytelling context. Example: "As soon as the rain stopped, I started to walk towards the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

I started to walk away.

The New Yorker

Little by little, I started to walk".

The New Yorker

So I started to walk.

The New York Times - Travel

I started to walk after it.

The Guardian - Travel

So I started to walk towards the tube.

The Guardian

"I started to walk toward the south end.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I got a triple stroller off of Craigslist and strapped my baby in a front-pack, and I started to walk-jog, walk-jog," said Mrs. Keith, who runs 10-minute miles with the children and cruises at 8 minutes a mile solo.

The New York Times - Health

I start to walk away.

The New Yorker

"I start to walk away, and he goes, 'You should've won that Oscar.' And I just thought, man, I have truly made it".

The New York Times

Satisfied, I get out of the locker and feel sheepish for hiding and I start to walk towards my destination on the tracker.

The Guardian - Tech

So I start to walk down the street.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started to walk" to clearly indicate the beginning of the action of walking, often in narratives or descriptions of events. For example, "As soon as the music began, I started to walk towards the dance floor."

Common error

Avoid overuse in formal contexts where more precise verbs like "began", "commenced", or "proceeded" might be more appropriate. Overusing "started to walk" can make your writing seem less sophisticated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started to walk" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, where "started" is the main verb indicating the beginning of an action and "to walk" is an infinitive functioning as a complement. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's broad applicability in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I started to walk" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the beginning of the act of walking. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its widespread use in narratives and descriptive writing. While perfectly acceptable, writers may consider more formal alternatives like "I began walking" in certain situations. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, emphasizing its versatility. As Ludwig confirms, using "I started to walk" is an effective way to clearly and simply convey the initiation of movement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began walking

Replaces "started" with "began", offering a more formal tone, and removes the "to" as walking becomes a gerund.

I commenced walking

Substitutes "started" with "commenced", indicating a more formal initiation of the action.

I proceeded to walk

Uses "proceeded" instead of "started", suggesting a continuation or progression towards walking.

I initiated a walk

Transforms the verb phrase into a noun phrase with "initiated", changing the sentence structure.

I set off walking

Replaces "started" with "set off", implying a beginning of a journey or excursion on foot.

I got going on foot

Emphasizes the method of travel (on foot) and uses a more casual expression "got going."

I launched into a walk

Uses "launched" to describe starting a walk, suggesting a more energetic or purposeful beginning.

I made a start at walking

Introduces a noun-based expression emphasizing the initiation of walking.

I took my first steps

Focuses on the initial action of walking, implying a new beginning or effort.

I stirred to walk

Replaces "started" with "stirred", conveying a sense of awakening or movement towards walking.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives such as "I began walking", "I commenced walking", or "I set off walking depending on the context.

Is "I started to walk" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I started to walk" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard English grammar rules for verb conjugation and sentence structure.

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

You can use "I started to walk" to describe the beginning of the action of walking in various situations. For example, "After the meeting, I started to walk back to my office."

What's the difference between "I started to walk" and "I began walking"?

While both phrases are similar, "I began walking" can sound slightly more formal than "I started to walk". The choice depends on the context and the desired tone.