I was starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was starting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you were in the process of beginning something in the past. Example: "I was starting to feel tired after a long day at work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I was starting to believe!

Independent

Also, I was starting to hate coffee.

The New York Times

I was starting to do characters.

The New York Times - Arts

I was starting to get cold.

The New Yorker

I was starting to reach him.

The New Yorker

I was starting to drown.

The New Yorker

I was starting to tire.

The New York Times - Tech

Now I was starting to see more.

The New Yorker

"To some degree, I was starting over".

The New York Times - Sports

I was starting to detect a pattern.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I was starting to receive commissions.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was starting" to describe an action or state you were in the process of commencing at a specific point in the past. Ensure the sentence provides context about what you were starting to do or feel.

Common error

Avoid using "I was starting" without specifying what you were starting. Ensure the sentence clearly indicates the action or state that was beginning. For instance, instead of saying "I was starting", specify "I was starting to feel unwell."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was starting" primarily functions as part of a verb phrase to indicate the inception or initial phase of an action or state in the past. Ludwig AI highlights examples such as "I was starting to get cold" and "I was starting to have trouble sleeping", illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was starting" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the initial phase of an action or state in the past. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts. To ensure clarity, specify what you were starting to do or feel, avoiding vague usage. Consider alternatives like "I began to" or "I commenced" based on the context. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, you can effectively use "I was starting" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was beginning

Replaces "starting" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of commencing.

I began to

Simplifies the phrase to a past tense verb, conveying the start of an action.

I commenced

A more formal synonym for starting, suitable for professional contexts.

I initiated

Suggests a more deliberate or formal beginning.

I set about

Emphasizes the process of beginning a task or action.

I was getting ready to

Focuses on the preparation stage before starting something.

I was on the verge of

Implies nearing the start of something, rather than actively starting.

I found myself starting

Adds a sense of discovery or realization to the act of starting.

I turned to

Indicates a shift of focus and beginning a new activity.

I undertook

Implies starting a project or endeavor, often of some significance.

FAQs

What does "I was starting" mean?

The phrase "I was starting" indicates that someone was in the process of beginning an action, feeling, or state at a specific time in the past. It describes an ongoing process of commencement rather than a completed action.

What can I say instead of "I was starting"?

You can use alternatives like "I was beginning", "I began to", or "I commenced" depending on the context.

How to use "I was starting" in a sentence?

Use "I was starting" to describe an action or state you were commencing at a specific point in the past. For example, "I was starting to understand why he was so liked" or "I was starting to feel uncomfortable".

Is "I started" the same as "I was starting"?

"I started" indicates a completed action of beginning something, while "I was starting" implies an ongoing process of beginning in the past. The former suggests a definitive commencement, whereas the latter describes the initial phase of an action or state.