i started writing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I started writing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the beginning of the act of writing, often in the context of a project, story, or any written work. Example: "I started writing my novel last month and have already completed the first chapter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I started writing.

The New York Times - Books

I started writing songs.

The New Yorker

So I started writing again".

The New Yorker

I started writing more.

The Guardian - Opinion

"So I started writing".

The New York Times

I started writing music.

The New York Times

And I started writing".

The New York Times - Magazine

And then I started writing with others.

The New York Times

So I started writing furiously for them.

The New Yorker

I started writing them down".

The New York Times - Books

Then I started writing songs".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "I started writing" with specific details about the type of writing, the reason for starting, or the context in which you began. This provides more clarity and engagement for the reader.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "I started writing" in close succession without providing sufficient context or variation. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your sentence structure and use synonyms or related phrases to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I started writing" functions as an intransitive verb phrase indicating the commencement of the action of writing. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I started writing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate the beginning of a writing activity. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability. It's versatile enough for both informal and neutral contexts, as demonstrated by its prevalence in news and media sources. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to provide specific context about the type of writing or the reasons behind starting, while avoiding overuse without variation. Alternatives like "I began writing" or "I commenced writing" can add subtle nuances or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I began writing

Uses a different verb ("began") to express the same action of initiating writing.

I initiated writing

Replaces "started" with "initiated", indicating a more formal beginning.

I commenced writing

Employs "commenced" instead of "started", suggesting a formal or deliberate start.

I took up writing

Indicates the adoption or beginning of writing as a new activity.

I turned to writing

Suggests that writing became the chosen activity, perhaps after abandoning something else.

I embarked on writing

Replaces "started" with "embarked on", implying a more ambitious or adventurous undertaking.

I delved into writing

Highlights a deep and immersive start into the activity of writing.

My writing journey began

Shifts focus to the journey and its beginning, rather than the immediate action.

Writing became my focus

Emphasizes the shift in focus towards writing.

I found myself writing

Suggests that writing happened almost spontaneously or unexpectedly.

FAQs

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

You can use "I started writing" to indicate the beginning of a writing activity. For example: "I started writing /s/short+stories after being inspired by a local author" or "When I retired, I started writing /s/poetry to express my feelings".

What's a more formal way to say "I started writing"?

For a more formal tone, you could say "I began writing" or "I commenced writing". These alternatives offer a slightly more elevated style while conveying the same basic meaning.

Is it okay to say "I started to write" instead of "I started writing"?

Both "I started writing" and "I started to write" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "I started writing" emphasizes the activity itself, while "I started to write" emphasizes the intention or process of beginning to write. The choice depends on the specific context and what you want to highlight.

What can I say instead of "I started writing" to indicate the type of writing?

You can specify the type of writing by saying "I started writing /s/songs", "I started writing /s/poetry", "I started writing /s/a+blog", or "I started writing /s/fiction", depending on what you began to write.