i started preparing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started preparing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action or activity that has begun in the past and that continues into the present moment. For example: "I started preparing for my presentation a week ago, and I'm still working on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I started preparing myself mentally for my time," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

As I started preparing, I realized I didn't understand what I'd been taught on the subject.

The New York Times - Science

But until I started preparing I had absolutely no idea how much she had endured.

The Guardian - Film

"But it started creeping up on me and I started preparing.

The New York Times

Hugh and I returned from China, and a few days later I started preparing for a trip to Germany.

The New Yorker

He says: "Although I've only recently become a freelance consultant, I started preparing for the move over a year ago.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

So I start preparing the week before, and I do as much as possible ahead of time.

The New York Times

But for every country where I travel, I start preparing in advance by reading a few books about its politics and culture.

HuffPost

Once my wife tells me that she is pregnant; there are things that I start preparing for the baby's delivery.

Global Health Action

(Young man FGD 6) Once my wife tells me that she is pregnant; there are things that I start preparing for the baby's delivery.

Global Health Action

I think they started preparing their papers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started preparing" to clearly indicate the beginning of a preparatory action. Be specific about what you were preparing for to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "I started preparing" without specifying what you were preparing for. Without context, the phrase can be vague and leave the reader wondering what you were doing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started preparing" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the commencement of an action. As shown in Ludwig, it introduces a process the speaker has begun, often requiring further context to clarify the object of preparation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started preparing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate the commencement of a preparatory action. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with some usage in science. The phrase functions as an intransitive verb phrase and carries a neutral tone. While perfectly acceptable, writers can consider alternatives such as "I began to prepare", "I commenced preparation", or "I set about preparing" for variety or to adjust the level of formality. Remember to provide context for what you are preparing for when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to prepare

Uses a more formal synonym for "start".

I set about preparing

Emphasizes the undertaking of the task.

I took steps to prepare

Focuses on the actions taken to get ready.

I initiated preparations

Similar to "commenced preparation" but emphasizes the act of initiating.

I made a start on preparing

Highlights the initial effort in the preparation process.

I commenced preparation

Replaces "started preparing" with a more formal noun phrase.

I geared up to prepare

Emphasizes anticipation and readiness for preparation.

I devoted myself to preparing

Emphasizes dedication to the task of preparing.

I turned my attention to preparing

Focuses on the shift in focus towards preparation.

I got ready

More informal and general; implies preparing without specifying the task.

FAQs

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

Use "I started preparing" to indicate the beginning of a preparatory action. For example, "I started preparing for the exam last week".

What are some alternatives to "I started preparing"?

You can use alternatives like "I began to prepare", "I commenced preparation", or "I set about preparing".

Is "I started preparing" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I started preparing" is grammatically correct and follows standard English grammar rules.

What is the difference between "I started preparing" and "I was preparing"?

"I started preparing" indicates the beginning of the action, while "I was preparing" simply describes the action in progress. It doesn't specify when the preparation began.