i only just started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I only just started" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you have recently begun an activity or task. Example: "I only just started learning how to play the guitar, so I'm still a beginner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But something I only just started to make, is the infamous fruit cake.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The funniest standup I've ever seen The first time I saw Daniel Kitson – who I had only just started to hear about – at the Kilkenny festival in Ireland.

The Guardian

So I have to admit, I've only just started this book and it has less to do with living creatively than living happily, but I have loved every word so far so therefore I had to share!

Huffington Post

I have been on films that were just three or five weeks, and sometimes I've been like, damn, I'd only just started to get into it.

HuffPost

I've only just started in the job and I had to lie the other week and I told my boss I didn't like it.

The Guardian - Film

As with Kate Atkinson and Barbara Pym earlier this year, I can't quite believe I have only just started reading Sarah Waters' novels.

The Guardian - Books

Sally Bercow To be honest, I have only just started work 18 months ago, before that I had no support at all, no childcare support, and I looked after three children morning till night on my own - and politicians are out all the time, you know, John's hours are ridiculous.

The Guardian

I've only just started reading this book, but already, I'm hooked.

The Guardian

I'd only just started reading long books then but I remember the titles that made me like these writers.

The Guardian

I've only just started reading this book, but already, I am somewhat annoyed by the author's frequent self-interruptions as he tries to develop and express his ideas.

The Guardian

I've only just started.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I only just started", consider adding context about what you've started to provide a clearer understanding for the listener or reader.

Common error

While it's fine to state "I only just started", avoid using it excessively as an apology or excuse for mistakes. Focus on learning and improving rather than dwelling on your inexperience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I only just started" functions as an expression of recent commencement. It indicates that the speaker has very recently begun an activity or endeavor. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase signals the initial stages of involvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I only just started" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express that one has recently begun an activity. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and widespread use. The phrase is versatile, appearing in neutral to informal contexts, and serves to communicate newness and potential inexperience. While alternatives like "I recently began" or "I just started" exist, "I only just started" adds a nuance of immediacy and initial involvement. It's important to avoid overusing it as an excuse, but rather to use it to provide context about one's current level of expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I recently began

Uses "recently began" instead of "only just started", indicating a recent commencement.

I just began

Emphasizes the immediacy of the start, using "just began" instead of "only just started".

I've newly started

Employs "newly started" to convey the freshness of the beginning.

I've lately started

Indicates a start within the recent past, substituting "only just started" with "lately started".

I've commenced recently

Replaces the informal "started" with the more formal "commenced recently".

I initiated this recently

Uses "initiated this recently" to highlight the beginning of a process or action.

I've only recently gotten into it

Implies a recent involvement or engagement with something, adding a nuance of interest or immersion.

I am new to this

Highlights the newness of one's experience, offering a different perspective on the beginning.

I'm in the early stages

Focuses on the preliminary phase of involvement, diverging from the direct statement of starting.

I've not been doing this long

Expresses the recent commencement by emphasizing the short duration of the activity.

FAQs

How can I use "I only just started" in a sentence?

You can use "I only just started" to indicate that you have recently begun an activity. For example: "I only just started learning to code, so I'm still getting the hang of it".

What's a more formal way to say "I only just started"?

For a more formal tone, you could say "I recently began" or "I have only recently commenced". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is it correct to say "I only started" instead of "I only just started"?

Yes, "I only started" is also correct, but it might not emphasize the recency as much as "I only just started". The addition of "just" adds a slight emphasis on how recently the action began.

What's the difference between "I just started" and "I only just started"?

Both phrases indicate a recent beginning. However, "I only just started" can imply that you are very new to something and perhaps still uncertain, whereas "I just started" is a more neutral statement. Consider using "I recently began" or "I newly started" as alternatives.