i started repeating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started repeating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action where someone begins to say or do something again, often in the context of reciting information or mimicking behavior. Example: "After hearing the song several times, I started repeating the lyrics without even realizing it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

(I heard the phrase "shoulder to shoulder" so often I started repeating it in my sleep).

The New Yorker

At some point I started repeating, "My dad said I'm as big as house!" and crying harder.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I have a pact with my daughter who is still sweet enough to read all my books and she has sworn that if I start repeating myself she will actually tell me.

The Guardian - Books

"I felt I'd started repeating myself in theater.

Huffington Post

A guy blew his horn and, with a raised arm, Taylor exclaimed, "I am the Jesus Christ of Church Law!" Everyone started repeating "Church Law" instead of "Sanctuary," as if it were some kind of St. Patrick's Day mantra that would protect them from open container fines.

Vice

I'm ashamed to say that it wasn't until Dylan started repeating her accusations, a few years ago, in interviews and a harrowing open letter, that I fully grasped the case against him.

Vice

Your mother has started repeating herself.

The New York Times

"Now what?" "Your mother has started repeating herself," another ad starts, then continues: "Your mother has started repeating herself.

The New York Times

At this point, Franklin went back to the first week's aspect and started repeating the cycle.

The Guardian

In 1993, he left Uptown, set up Bad Boy, and started repeating the trick, over and over.

Independent

Then he started repeating the line: "Laura Snapes totally wants to fuck me / get in line, bitch … Laura Snapes totally wants to have my babies".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where you involuntarily echoed someone or something, using "I started repeating" can effectively convey the lack of conscious intent.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overuse of "I started repeating" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "reiterated" or "echoed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started repeating" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a repetitive action. It describes the commencement of saying or doing something again, often involuntarily. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I started repeating" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the commencement of a repetitive action or behavior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in a variety of contexts, ranging from personal anecdotes to more formal reporting. While versatile, it's advisable to be mindful of the tone and choose more precise alternatives like "reiterated" or "echoed" in highly formal settings. The phrase is commonly found in "News & Media" and scientific articles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to repeat

Replaces "started" with "began", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

I commenced repeating

Substitutes "started" with "commenced", providing a more formal and less common alternative.

I found myself repeating

Adds a sense of involuntariness to the action of repeating.

I fell into repeating

Suggests a gradual or unintentional start to the repetition.

I took to repeating

Implies a habitual or frequent repetition.

I initiated repeating

Emphasizes the act of beginning the repetition.

I launched into repeating

Indicates an energetic or sudden start to the repeating.

I got into the habit of repeating

Highlights the development of a repeated behavior.

I developed the habit of repeating

Similar to the previous, but focuses on the process of habit formation.

I spontaneously started repeating

Adds emphasis to the sudden, unplanned commencement of the repeating action.

FAQs

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

You can use "I started repeating" to describe beginning to say or do something again. For example, "After hearing the song several times, "I started repeating" the lyrics without even realizing it."

What are some alternatives to "I started repeating"?

You can use alternatives like "I began to repeat", "I commenced repeating", or "I found myself repeating" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I started repeating myself" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I started repeating myself" is grammatically correct and commonly used to indicate that you began to say the same things again. For example, "I realized "I started repeating" myself, so I changed the topic."

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

While both phrases are similar, "I began repeating" may sound slightly more formal than ""I started repeating"". The choice often depends on the context and desired tone.