Started collecting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started collecting" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in a sentence to indicate the beginning of a collection or hobby. Example: "After receiving a rare stamp as a gift, she started collecting stamps from all over the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Recent collection: I've started collecting commemorative firearms.

The New York Times - Magazine

I started collecting.

The New Yorker

Brazil started collecting money.

The New Yorker

She started collecting it.

The New York Times - Arts

That was when he started collecting.

The New York Times

She started collecting furniture and fabrics.

The New Yorker

I started collecting wood on the street.

The New York Times

So, adversely, I started collecting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"That's why I started collecting original illustrations.

The New Yorker

We've already started collecting banana recipes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We started collecting bottles," Carla said.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the start of a collection, consider using specific verbs that reflect the nature of the collection (e.g., "began amassing" for a large collection, "initiated" for a formal collection).

Common error

Avoid switching between past and present tense when describing the initiation of a collection. Ensure that the tense remains consistent throughout the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started collecting" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the initiation of an action related to gathering or accumulating items or information. It is commonly used to describe the commencement of a hobby, research, or data gathering, as Ludwig examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started collecting" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the beginning of an activity focused on accumulating items or data. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, with a generally neutral register. When using the phrase, consider the specific nature of the collection to choose more descriptive verbs, and maintain consistent tense. Alternatives include "began accumulating", "initiated a collection", or "commenced gathering", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Began accumulating

Focuses on the gradual accumulation rather than just the start.

Initiated a collection

More formal and emphasizes the act of creating a collection.

Commenced gathering

Highlights the gathering aspect of collecting.

Took up collecting

Emphasizes starting a hobby or interest in collecting.

Embarked on a collection

Suggests a deliberate and planned start to collecting.

Launched a collection

Emphasizes the start of collection as a purposeful action.

Set about collecting

Implies a more determined and focused approach to collecting.

Started to amass

Highlights the increasing quantity of items being collected.

Began to acquire

Focuses on the act of obtaining items for a collection.

Pioneered a collection

Emphasizes starting a unique or innovative collection.

FAQs

How can I use "started collecting" in a sentence?

You can use "started collecting" to describe the beginning of a hobby or the accumulation of items, for example, "She "started collecting stamps" after her trip abroad".

What are some alternatives to saying "started collecting"?

Alternatives include "began accumulating", "initiated a collection", or "commenced gathering", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "start collecting" instead of "started collecting"?

The phrase "start collecting" is used to express intent, while "started collecting" indicates a past action that has already commenced. For example, "I will start collecting next week" vs. "I "started collecting last week"".

What's the difference between "started collecting" and "began collecting"?

Both "started collecting" and "began collecting" are similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. However, "began" may sound slightly more formal than "started". For instance, "He "began collecting art"" sounds more formal than "He "started collecting art"".