i started to explain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started to explain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you began the process of explaining something but may not have completed it. Example: "I started to explain the concept of quantum mechanics, but I realized it was too complex for the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I started to explain.

The New Yorker

I started to explain my concerns, noting that every medication has side effects.

The New York Times

"I don't usually jump the line," I started to explain, when he interrupted me.

The New York Times

I started to explain Reed's experiences, and McBeath cut me off.

The New York Times - Magazine

I started to explain, then figured he'd come to understand soon enough.

The New York Times

"I started to explain some of the things that seemed illogical to me," Mr. Park said.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

I start to explain that I paid to see Safe House and Unstoppable and many of his other films.

The Guardian - Film

I start to explain that I am a correspondent and that I–. "A journalist?!" the man howls.

Forbes

But if you find a different person [every time you go for FP] you will wonder 'now where will I start to explain to this one'.

BMC Health Services Research

"No, no," I said and started to explain, then stopped.

The New York Times

But, before I knew it, I'd dived straight in and started to explain the gist of what they would be doing, referring everything back to my carefully prepared practical schedule.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i started to explain" when you want to indicate that you began the process of giving details or clarifying something but may not have finished, providing context for potential interruptions or incomplete information.

Common error

Avoid using "i started to explain" without following through with at least some part of the explanation or indicating why it was not completed. Leaving the reader hanging can create confusion or frustration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i started to explain" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. It expresses the initiation of providing details or clarification. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i started to explain" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the beginning of an explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news media and academic contexts. Its function is to signal the commencement of clarification, though it often implies that the explanation may have been interrupted or not fully completed. Related phrases, such as "i began to explain" or "i was about to explain", offer nuanced alternatives for varied contexts. When using "i started to explain", ensure to provide sufficient context or complete the explanation to avoid leaving the reader in suspense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i was starting to explain

Adds a continuous aspect, suggesting the explanation was in progress but not necessarily completed.

i began to explain

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

i commenced explaining

Substitutes "started" with "commenced", resulting in a more formal and less common phrasing.

i was about to explain

Indicates an intention to explain, suggesting the explanation might have been interrupted or not fully delivered.

i proceeded to explain

Implies a sequential action, suggesting the explanation followed a previous action or statement.

i set out to explain

Emphasizes the purpose or intention behind starting the explanation.

i undertook to explain

Presents a formal tone indicating a more serious approach to the explanation.

i initiated an explanation

Uses a more technical or formal tone focusing on the initiation of the explanation.

i launched into an explanation

Suggests a more energetic or enthusiastic start to the explanation.

i initiated the explanation

Focuses on the act of initiating the explanation, often implying a structured or formal context.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "i began to explain", "i was about to explain", or "i proceeded to explain" depending on the context.

Is "i started to explain" grammatically correct?

Yes, "i started to explain" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of the verb "start" followed by the infinitive form of "explain", which is a standard construction in English.

How to use "i started to explain" in a sentence?

You can use "i started to explain" to indicate the beginning of an explanation, often implying that the explanation was interrupted or not fully completed. For example, "I started to explain the rules, but he interrupted me."

What's the difference between "i started to explain" and "i explained"?

"I started to explain" indicates the beginning of an explanation, suggesting it may not have been completed. "I explained" implies that the explanation was fully delivered.