i started to build

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to build" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the initiation of a construction or creation process, whether physical or metaphorical. Example: "I started to build a model airplane last weekend, and I'm excited to see how it turns out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I started to build up a resentment.

The New York Times - Magazine

I started to build lists over time.

The Guardian

By the time I was 11 or 12, I started to build my own radios.

The New York Times

"I know that as I started to build my own stores, the business got better," he said.

The New York Times

As I started college, I started to build software products that I could sell to people over the Web.

The New York Times

Ten years ago, roughly nine months into our divorce, my ex and I started to build a relationship.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"I start to build a hatred for the other team.

The New York Times - Sports

And I start to build my business case for why I think they should pursue a particular course, so that it's win-win for them.

Yale University

I start to build in metaphors for what I'm thinking about.

TechCrunch

Then over the following 30-40 days, I start to build the execution plan and begin the transformation.

Forbes

And then I start to build other shapes, mirroring, rotating, and superimposing that figure".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a step-by-step process, use "i started to build" to introduce the initial phase.

Common error

Avoid using "i started to build" without clarifying what was being built. Always specify the object or idea being constructed to provide context for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i started to build" serves to indicate the commencement of a construction or development activity. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's used to describe the initiation of both tangible structures and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i started to build" is a grammatically correct and readily understandable way to express the beginning of a construction or development process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, although more frequently found in news and media. For alternatives, consider "i began to construct" or "i initiated construction" to add slight nuances to your writing. When using the phrase, ensure to clarify what you are building to provide context and clarity. Overall, it's a useful and versatile phrase for describing the commencement of creative endeavors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i commenced building

Formally indicates the beginning of a construction process.

i initiated construction

Highlights the act of beginning a construction project.

i began to construct

Uses "construct" instead of "build", implying a more complex process.

i set about building

Emphasizes the intention and effort to begin building.

i got down to building

Implies a transition to the building activity after some delay.

i undertook to build

Formally indicates commitment to start and complete a building project.

i embarked on building

Suggests a more extensive or adventurous building project.

i pioneered the building of

Highlights being the first to start a particular construction.

i laid the foundation for building

Emphasizes the foundational steps of the building process.

i established the building process

Focuses on setting up the procedures for building

FAQs

How can I use "i started to build" in a sentence?

Use "i started to build" to describe the initial phase of constructing something, whether physical or abstract. For example, "I started to build a house" or "I started to build a new strategy".

What phrases are similar to "i started to build"?

Alternatives include /s/i+began+to+construct, /s/i+initiated+construction, or /s/i+commenced+building, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "i started building" instead of "i started to build"?

Both "i started building" and "i started to build" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on stylistic preference, although "i started building" is often considered more concise.

What's the difference between "i started to build" and "i finished building"?

"I started to build" indicates the beginning of a construction process, while "I finished building" implies the completion of that process. They represent opposite ends of the same activity.