Started screaming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Started screaming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of someone beginning to scream, often in response to a sudden event or emotion. Example: "When the lights went out, she started screaming in fear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"People started screaming 'Stop!

The New York Times

"They started screaming back".

The New York Times

Then he started screaming.

Independent

"We started screaming 'Jesus!

The New York Times

"I started screaming," she said.

The New York Times

I guess I started screaming.

The New Yorker

"We started screaming 'Arabs!

The New York Times

I started screaming.

The Guardian

The caregiver started screaming.

The New Yorker

The ginger guy started screaming.

The Guardian - Opinion

People started screaming and running.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started screaming" to vividly portray a sudden and often intense emotional reaction, like fear, surprise, or excitement. This conveys immediacy and can heighten the impact of your narrative.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "started screaming" within a short span. Vary your descriptions by using related phrases like "began shouting" or "burst out yelling" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started screaming" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a screaming action. It describes the moment someone begins to scream, often in response to a sudden stimulus or intense emotion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started screaming" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the action of someone beginning to scream. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, to depict sudden and often emotional reactions. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrases such as "began shouting" or "burst out yelling" to maintain writing quality. Its communicative purpose is to convey a sense of immediacy and intensity, making it a valuable tool for narrative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Broke into screams

Indicates an abrupt transition to screaming, suggesting a loss of control.

Erupted in screams

Highlights a sudden and explosive outburst of screaming.

Began shouting

Focuses on the act of shouting loudly, a close synonym emphasizing volume.

Burst out yelling

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful nature of the screaming.

Started to shout

A more general term indicating the beginning of shouting, without necessarily implying fear or panic.

Commenced yelling

A more formal alternative to "started screaming", highlighting the initiation of loud vocalization.

Let out a scream

Focuses on the single instance of a scream being emitted.

Raised their voice

A less intense alternative, simply indicating an increase in vocal volume.

Made a noise

This alternative is less specific, encompassing any kind of noise, not necessarily a scream.

Opened their mouth

This alternative has a wider focus, because it's related to any kind of mouth action, even talking.

FAQs

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

You can use "started screaming" to describe someone's sudden vocal reaction to something. For example: "When she saw the spider, she "started screaming"."

What are some alternatives to "started screaming"?

Alternatives include "began shouting", "burst out yelling", or "broke into screams", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "began screaming" instead of "started screaming"?

Yes, "began screaming" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "started screaming". They are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning.

What's the difference between "started screaming" and "was screaming"?

"Started screaming" indicates the beginning of the action, while "was screaming" implies that the screaming was already in progress. For example, "She "started screaming" when she saw the ghost" versus "She "was screaming" at the top of her lungs".