begin to notice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to notice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of starting to become aware of something or recognizing a change or detail. Example: "As I walked through the forest, I began to notice the subtle changes in the colors of the leaves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So you begin to notice the ser­vants.

The New Yorker

We begin to notice a curious but persistent characteristic.

The New York Times - Arts

Over the piece though, you begin to notice a pattern.

The Guardian - Music

By the end of the month, people will begin to notice changes.

The New York Times

A FEW days after being infected with ebola, patients begin to notice that something is wrong.

The Economist

But only recently did he begin to notice that many of them resembled his grandparents.

The New York Times

Eventually, though, you begin to notice subtle differences among the restaurants.

The New York Times - Food

"Travelers should begin to notice tighter and more consistent security checks," she said.

The New York Times

"Very quickly upon arrival you begin to notice the elegance of the people here," Triefus says.

The New York Times - Magazine

As I wait I begin to notice that I am panting and getting light-headed.

The Guardian - Travel

But you begin to notice the good in people that previously you took for granted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin to notice" to describe the initial stage of awareness or recognition. It's particularly effective when highlighting a gradual change or a subtle detail that becomes apparent over time.

Common error

While generally acceptable, repeatedly using "begin to notice" can make your writing sound monotonous. Vary your language by using synonyms like "start to perceive" or "become aware of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to notice" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of awareness or perception. It highlights the initial stage of recognizing something, whether it's a subtle change, a recurring pattern, or a previously unnoticed detail. Ludwig AI examples confirm its usage in describing this transition into awareness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begin to notice" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating the start of awareness or recognition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, from news and media to informal writing. While generally neutral, it's essential to consider the context and audience when choosing synonyms for stylistic variation. Overusing the phrase can lead to monotony, so incorporating alternatives like "start to perceive" or "become aware of" is recommended. This phrase serves as a clear and effective way to mark the initial stage of observation and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start to perceive

Focuses more on sensory awareness and understanding through the senses.

start to observe

Implies a more deliberate and focused act of watching and noting details.

become aware of

A more general term for gaining consciousness or knowledge of something.

start to recognize

Emphasizes identifying something previously unknown or unclear.

begin to see

Similar in meaning but can also imply understanding or insight.

commence to detect

A more formal and less common way of saying "begin to notice".

start to sense

Relates more to intuition or feeling something without concrete evidence.

grow to realize

Implies a gradual process of understanding or becoming aware.

become conscious of

Highlights the shift to being aware of something previously unnoticed.

start taking note of

Highlights the act of giving attention to something and recording it mentally.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "begin to notice"?

You can use alternatives like "start to perceive", "become aware of", or "start to recognize" depending on the context.

How to use "begin to notice" in a sentence?

You can use "begin to notice" to describe the initial stage of awareness or recognition of something. For example, "After a few weeks, I began to notice improvements in my fitness level".

Is "begin to notice" formal or informal?

"Begin to notice" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider alternatives like "commence to detect".

What's the difference between "begin to notice" and "start to notice"?

The difference between "begin to notice" and "start to notice" is minimal. Both phrases mean essentially the same thing: to commence the process of noticing something. "Begin" might suggest a slightly more gradual or formal start, but the terms are largely interchangeable.