i started telling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started telling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you began to share information or a story with someone. Example: "I started telling my friends about the amazing trip I took last summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Then I started telling the world.

The New York Times

I started telling the stories at spoken-word events and poetry readings.

The New York Times

"I started telling her I was collecting Erector Sets," he recalled.

The New York Times

I started telling her about my relationship with Alexis, his mother, my garden and the dig.

The New York Times - Magazine

"When I was recruiting him, I started telling him who we had at the position.

The New York Times - Sports

I started telling them — jokes I should call them — when I was young.

Independent

But it wasn't long before I started telling people it was time to go, polite-Dirty-Harry style.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then I started telling it in storytelling shows, like "Porchlight," which is like the West Coast version of "The Moth".

The New York Times

I started telling everyone around me that I was going to have a big, awesome year".

The New York Times - Sports

I started telling people on the forums, look, this treatment doesn't seem to be that great".

The Guardian

"At the next session, I started telling him about the abuse again," Father Hayes said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I started telling" when you want to clearly indicate the beginning of a narrative or the sharing of information. It's straightforward and easily understood in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "I started telling" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. In formal contexts, consider more varied phrases like "I began to explain", "I proceeded to describe", or "I commenced to narrate" to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started telling" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of a narrative or sharing of information. Ludwig's examples confirm its use in introducing stories or explanations, similar to how one might say, "I began to explain."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I started telling" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the beginning of sharing information or a narrative. As Ludwig AI confirms, its straightforward nature makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While highly frequent, especially in informal settings, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "I began to explain" or "I proceeded to describe" in academic or professional writing to avoid repetition and maintain a sophisticated tone. Overuse can diminish the impact of your writing, so vary your phrasing for better engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began to say

Focuses on the act of speaking rather than the content being shared.

I commenced to narrate

More formal and emphasizes the detailed recounting of events.

I launched into explaining

Suggests an enthusiastic and detailed explanation.

I opened up about

Implies sharing personal or sensitive information.

I shared my thoughts on

Specifically refers to expressing opinions or ideas.

I divulged information regarding

Suggests revealing something previously unknown or secret.

I proceeded to describe

Indicates a sequential action of providing details.

I got around to telling

Suggests a delay or eventual sharing of information.

I took to recounting

Emphasizes the act of retelling a story or event.

I started to reveal

Highlights the unveiling of something previously hidden.

FAQs

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

You can use "I started telling" to introduce a story, share information, or explain something. For example, "I started telling her about my day" or "I started telling them the truth".

What are some alternatives to "I started telling"?

Alternatives include "I began to say", "I commenced to narrate", or "I launched into explaining", depending on the context.

Is "I started to tell" grammatically different from "I started telling"?

"I started to tell" focuses on the action of beginning to tell, while "I started telling" emphasizes the act of actually sharing information. The choice depends on the intended nuance.

When is it appropriate to use "I started telling" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "I started telling" might be too informal for academic or highly professional contexts. Consider using alternatives like "I began to explain" or "I proceeded to describe" for a more sophisticated tone.