i only started

USAGE SUMMARY

"I only started" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express the beginning of an action. For example, you could say: "I only started to read the book last week, but I'm already halfway through it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I only started planting them.

The New York Times - Travel

"I only started praying last year.

Independent

'I only started again recently.

The Guardian

I only started when I was 16.

The Guardian - Sport

I only started smoking since the ban.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

'I only started because it was fun.

The Guardian - Music

"I only started working here in 1988".

The Guardian

I only started to direct about four years ago.

The Guardian

But I only started using gas four years ago.

The New York Times

I only started singing full time a few years ago.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I only started serious training in January," she says.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i only started", clearly specify the timeframe or context to provide clarity. For instance, "I only started learning Spanish last year" offers more information than "I only started learning Spanish."

Common error

Avoid using "i only start" when you mean to convey something that began in the past. "I only started" correctly places the action in the past. Ensure consistency in tense throughout your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i only started" functions as a declarative statement indicating the commencement of an action or activity. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. As examples from Ludwig show, it sets a specific timeframe for when something began.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "i only started" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate the recent commencement of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase serves to provide context, explain current situations, or set timeframes. When using "i only started", it's beneficial to specify the timeframe for increased clarity. While alternatives like "i just began" and "i recently commenced" exist, the core meaning remains consistent: a recent beginning. Remember to use the correct past tense form to avoid grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i only just started

Adds "just" for emphasis on the recent start.

i just began

Replaces "started" with "began", emphasizing the initiation of an action.

i recently commenced

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey a recent beginning.

i've just initiated

Highlights the act of initiating something in the recent past.

i have newly started

Emphasizes the newness of the beginning.

i initiated this recently

Changes the structure to emphasize the action and its recent occurrence.

i'm a recent starter

Shifts the focus to the speaker as someone who has recently begun something.

my involvement began recently

Focuses on the beginning of involvement in something.

i am new to this

Indicates a lack of experience due to a recent start.

this is a recent beginning for me

Highlights the recent nature of the commencement from the speaker's perspective.

FAQs

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

You can use "i only started" to indicate the recent beginning of an activity. For example, "I only started learning to play the guitar last month", or "I only started working here last week".

What is a synonym for "i only started"?

Alternatives to "i only started" include phrases like "i just began", "i recently commenced", or "i only just started".

Is it correct to say "i only start" instead of "i only started"?

No, "i only start" is generally incorrect when referring to an action that began in the past. The correct form is "i only started", which uses the past tense to indicate that the action has already commenced.

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

"I only started" emphasizes the recentness of the beginning, while "I have just started" also implies that the action is likely still ongoing. While both are similar, "I have just started" might suggest a more immediate continuation of the activity.