i started applying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started applying" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the initiation of a process, such as submitting applications for jobs, schools, or programs. Example: "After finishing my degree, I started applying for internships to gain practical experience in my field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

After selling my company I started applying to business schools.

The Guardian - Travel

The day my banker friend left for Dubai, I started applying for jobs outside Kolkata.

The New York Times

I started applying for non-graduate positions and eventually got retail work at Boots.

The Guardian

So I started applying some of the things that I saw the bees were doing to faculty meetings.

Cornell University

I started applying for jobs within charities, realising that I often met the job specification even when the job title was different.

The Guardian

Recommended by Vic Goddard, principal, Passmores academy, Harlow, Essex I read this book as I started applying for headships and it made so much sense.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

When should I start applying for my summer internship?

Harvard University

"I'm still sorting out my portfolio before I start applying as there seems to be only one chance to get an interview," she adds.

The Guardian

"If I go to university and wait three or four years until I start applying for posts, everything will hopefully be much better.

The Guardian

This is in the hope that my connections may become useful to me in the future when I start applying for jobs in publishing.

The Guardian

Never ask "What does your company do?" Never ask "If I'm hired, when can I start applying for other positions in the company?" Never ask how quickly you can be promoted.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started applying" when you want to clearly indicate the moment you began the application process for jobs, schools, grants, or other opportunities. It's a direct and easily understood way to express the initiation of this activity.

Common error

Avoid phrasing your sentences in a way that obscures your active role. Instead of saying "Applications were started by me", use the active voice "I started applying" to clearly communicate your initiative and involvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started applying" functions as a declarative statement indicating the initiation of an action. It typically introduces a description of the process or the subsequent steps taken. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started applying" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate the initiation of an application process. Ludwig AI highlights that it's correct and usable in written English. It's versatile, appearing across different contexts, including news, science, and academia. When aiming for more formal language, consider alternatives such as "I commenced applying". Remember to use the active voice for clarity. Understanding these nuances will help you use the phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to apply

Replaces "started" with "began", a synonym, resulting in a slightly more formal tone.

I have started to apply

Adds "to" and changes the tense, which may slightly change the focus of the sentence.

I commenced applying

Substitutes "started" with "commenced", offering a more formal and less frequent alternative.

I have begun applying

Combines "began" with present perfect tense.

I initiated the application process

Rephrases the entire sentence to focus on the process itself rather than the action of applying.

I turned to applying

Indicates a shift in focus or activity towards applying.

I took up applying

Uses "took up" as a more casual way of saying "started", implying a new activity or habit.

I got down to applying

Suggests a focused and determined approach to applying.

I devoted myself to applying

Highlights a dedicated commitment to applying.

I set about applying

Implies a systematic and organized approach to applying.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I started applying"?

You can use alternatives like "I began to apply", "I commenced applying", or "I initiated the application process" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I started to apply" instead of "I started applying"?

Both "I started applying" and "I started to apply" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "I started applying" emphasizes the activity itself, while "I started to apply" might suggest a process with multiple steps or a more deliberate decision to begin.

When should I use "I started applying" versus other similar phrases?

Use "I started applying" when you want a direct and simple way to state that you began the process of submitting applications. For more formal contexts, consider "I commenced applying". For emphasis on initiative, "I took up applying" might be appropriate.

What's the difference between "I started applying" and "I began applying"?

The difference between "I started applying" and "I began applying" is subtle. "Began" can sound slightly more formal than "started", but in most contexts, they are interchangeable.