i started noticing

USAGE SUMMARY

"I started noticing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to denote the beginning of a realization or observation. For example, "I started noticing how his behavior had changed since he got the promotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I started noticing a pattern," Zarif said.

The New Yorker

"I started noticing mothers and daughters coming.

The Guardian - Books

I started noticing this a dozen years ago.

The New Yorker

Right after he passed, I started noticing a change.

The New York Times

In my twenties, I started noticing crow's feet and grey hairs.

The Guardian - Opinion

I started noticing heart attacks in guys in their 40s and early 50s".

The New York Times

Once I became aware of this practice, I started noticing cups in other places.

The New Yorker

I started noticing how people used it: they held it in their laps and tickled it.

The New York Times - Science

I started noticing that Machiavelli's writings speak in different voices at different times.

The Guardian - Books

Happily, a few years ago, I started noticing that people were talking about their supper clubs.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I started noticing I didn't really enjoy people as much, trust them as much," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started noticing" to introduce a shift in your perception or understanding. It's effective for describing a gradual awareness of something previously overlooked.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "I started noticing". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "I began to see" or "I became aware of" /s/i+became+aware+of to maintain reader engagement and improve the flow of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started noticing" functions as a sentence introducer or clause starter, signaling the beginning of a personal observation or realization. As Ludwig AI suggests, it introduces a shift in perception or understanding. It sets the stage for the specific detail or pattern that the speaker began to observe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Academia

6%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started noticing" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that indicates the beginning of an observation or realization. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While applicable across various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in news and media as a way to introduce personal insights and experiences. When writing, be mindful of potential overuse and consider using synonyms like "I began to see" or "I became aware of" /s/i+became+aware+of to enhance the flow and engagement of your narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started to see

Uses a more direct and simple verb, "see", to convey the observation.

I began to observe

Replaces "started noticing" with a more formal verb, "observe".

I became aware of

Emphasizes the gaining of knowledge or consciousness.

I began to realize

Shifts the focus slightly from observation to understanding.

I identified

Conveys a more analytical and precise form of noticing.

I picked up on

Suggests a more subtle or intuitive form of noticing.

I detected

Implies noticing something that may not be immediately obvious.

I discerned

Offers a more sophisticated and subtle way of expressing observation.

I caught on to

Suggests understanding something after a period of confusion or unawareness.

It dawned on me

Indicates a sudden realization, which can follow from noticing something.

FAQs

How can I use "I started noticing" in a sentence?

Use "I started noticing" to introduce an observation or realization that developed over time. For example, "I started noticing a pattern in his behavior" or "I started noticing how much time I was spending on social media".

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

You can use alternatives like "I began to see", "I became aware of" /s/i+became+aware+of, or "I began to realize" /s/i+began+to+realize depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I started to notice" instead of "I started noticing"?

Both "I started to notice" and "I started noticing" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, although "I started noticing" may subtly emphasize the continuous nature of the observation.

What's the difference between "I started noticing" and "I noticed"?

"I noticed" implies a single, specific instance of observation. "I started noticing" suggests a gradual awareness or observation that developed over time. For example, "I noticed the stain on the carpet" versus "I started noticing the carpet was getting old".