i started to collect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to collect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of an action or hobby related to gathering items or information. Example: "I started to collect vintage postcards during my travels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I started to collect mp3s from friends as a secondary collection, with the idea of finding first hand recordings of these things I had no access to.

Vice

"When I started to collect old music, I had to search out underground dealers.

The New York Times - Arts

"I caved under the pressure, so I started to collect data from Olympians.

The New York Times - Sports

'I started to collect before it became Wallpaper* trendy,' he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So, I started to collect historical images, put them into digital space and texture map the 3D model.

University of California, Berkeley

I started to collect American coins – seeking out each change in design – then moved on to British ones as well.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Inspired by this and by the kitsch John Hinde postcards I'd started to collect in the early 70s, I switched to colour in 1982 and I've never looked back.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I had started to collect, but never had any guidance.

The New York Times - Arts

In order to begin to collect basic data, I have started to collect survey data and interview responses within the two courses cited earlier.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

"So we started to collect DNA samples".

Science Magazine

As P11 described: P11: "I've also said these tongue-in-cheek things: so, now I'm starting to collect pills.

BMC Palliative Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i started to collect", ensure the context clearly indicates what you began collecting. Be specific to provide clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "i started to collect" without specifying the object of collection. For instance, instead of saying "i started to collect", clarify with "i started to collect stamps" to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i started to collect" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. It specifies the initiation of gathering or accumulating something, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i started to collect" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the commencement of a collecting activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and appears frequently across various domains, particularly in news, academic, and scientific contexts. For clarity, it's best practice to specify what you began collecting. While alternatives like "i began to gather" exist, "i started to collect" remains a versatile and easily understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i began to gather

Uses "began" instead of "started" and "gather" instead of "collect", indicating a similar beginning of an accumulation process.

i took up collecting

Expresses the beginning of collecting as a hobby or activity.

i commenced gathering

Uses "commenced" as a more formal synonym for "started" and "gathering" for "collecting".

i initiated the collection of

Replaces "started to collect" with a more formal "initiated the collection of", emphasizing the formal beginning of a collection.

i embarked on a collection of

Implies a more deliberate and planned start to collecting.

i set about collecting

Suggests a determined and purposeful start to collecting.

my collection began with

Shifts the focus to the collection itself, indicating its origin.

i developed a collection of

Focuses on the gradual development of a collection over time, starting from an initial point.

i built up a collection of

Emphasizes the gradual growth and accumulation involved in collecting.

i assembled a collection of

Highlights the action of assembling, suggesting a more structured and organized approach to collecting.

FAQs

What does "i started to collect" mean?

The phrase "i started to collect" indicates the beginning of an activity where someone gathers or accumulates items, information, or experiences, typically with a specific purpose or interest.

What can I say instead of "i started to collect"?

You can use alternatives like "i began to gather", "i took up collecting", or "i initiated the collection of depending on the context".

Is "i started collecting" grammatically correct?

Yes, "i started collecting" is grammatically correct and functions as a more concise alternative to "i started to collect". Both are acceptable, but the former is often preferred for its simplicity.

Which is more formal, "i started to collect" or "i began to collect"?

The phrase "i began to collect" tends to be perceived as slightly more formal than "i started to collect", as "began" is often considered a more elevated vocabulary choice than "started".