i started leaving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started leaving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you began the process of departing from a place or situation. Example: "As the meeting dragged on, I realized I had to leave early, so I started leaving quietly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I started leaving my body every night.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's when I started leaving anyway.

The Guardian - Music

"And then I started leaving some balls up.

The New York Times - Sports

So then, drunk on trust, I started leaving not only the trunk open but all the cars' doors unlocked.

The Guardian - Books

Eventually I started leaving the office to go home as soon as I heard her a few doors down.

The New York Times - Magazine

Naturally, as soon as I learned that I'd be out of Structured Finance, I started leaving the office at five to look for another job.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I would never leave the band that I started, but the band started leaving me.

The Guardian - Music

Navalny started leaving the house.

The New Yorker

I will start leaving voice mails.

The New Yorker

At some point, I'll start leaving the Air home.

TechCrunch

"I'm going to start leaving people up in the stands," he vowed, "you'll see how they pull their fingers out then".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i started leaving" to clearly indicate the beginning of a departure from a specific place, situation, or state. Ensure the context provides clarity about what is being left.

Common error

Avoid using "i started leaving" without clearly specifying what you are leaving. Vague usage can lead to confusion. For example, instead of saying "i started leaving", specify "i started leaving the meeting" to provide better context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i started leaving" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. It describes the beginning of the process of departing from a particular place or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

6%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i started leaving" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe the beginning of a departure. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is acceptable in written English, and it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While relatively uncommon, it effectively conveys the initiation of leaving a place or situation. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "i began leaving" or "i commenced leaving", depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to provide context to clarify what is being left to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i began leaving

Uses a synonym for "started", maintaining a similar level of formality.

i was starting to leave

Emphasizes the gradual beginning of the act of leaving.

i commenced leaving

Similar to "began", but slightly more formal.

i proceeded to leave

Highlights the sequential action of leaving after something else.

i was just leaving

Suggests the act of leaving was imminent or had just begun.

i initiated my departure

More formal, emphasizing the deliberate nature of leaving.

i set about leaving

Indicates a more active and planned departure.

i prepared to leave

Focuses on the preparations made before leaving.

i got up to leave

Specifies the physical action of standing up with the intention to leave.

i was off

Informal and concise way of saying you were leaving.

FAQs

What does "i started leaving" mean?

The phrase "i started leaving" means that you began the process of departing from a place, situation, or relationship. It implies the initiation of an action that leads to separation or abandonment.

What can I say instead of "i started leaving"?

You can use alternatives like "i began leaving", "i initiated my departure", or "i commenced leaving" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "i started to leave" grammatically different from "i started leaving"?

Both "i started to leave" and "i started leaving" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The former uses an infinitive, while the latter uses a gerund. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference, although "i started leaving" can sometimes imply a more continuous or ongoing action.

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

You can use "i started leaving" to describe the beginning of a departure. For example: "As the presentation continued to drag on, I realized I had to catch my train, so "i started leaving" quietly."