it started to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it started to be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the beginning of a change or development in a situation or state of being. Example: "At first, the project seemed straightforward, but then it started to be more complicated than we anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

With introducing Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and its services, it started to be possible for companies to operate against these complications.

Procedia Computer Science

It started to be celebratory".

The New York Times - Arts

It started to be about a wolf.

The New York Times

"But in the last year, it started to be different".

The New York Times

"Then it started to be two or three a month.

The New York Times

It was purely because of 9/11 that it started to be OK.

Independent

The Concordia was at a similar angle before it started to be righted.

The New York Times

In the first couple of decades of the 16th century it started to be stuffed.

The Guardian - Books

It started to be designed by the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) and the technology company INVAP SE, both from Argentina, in June 2010.

Physics Procedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And then it starts to be like really unbearable.

The New York Times

It's ready when it starts to be crumbly".

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it started to be" to clearly indicate the initial phase of a development or change. It works best when describing a gradual process rather than an instantaneous event.

Common error

Avoid using "it started to be" in simple narratives where a more direct verb would suffice. For example, instead of "it started to be cold", consider simply saying "it grew cold".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it started to be" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement or initial stage of a state or process. It suggests a gradual unfolding or development, as evidenced by Ludwig AI's analysis and numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it started to be" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate the beginning of a change or development. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread application across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific literature. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse in simple narratives, opting for more direct verbs when appropriate. Alternatives like "it began to be" or "it was starting to be" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Overall, this phrase effectively signals the commencement of a state or process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it began to be

Replaces "started" with "began", maintaining a similar meaning of commencement.

it was starting to be

Adds a continuous aspect, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the beginning.

it commenced to be

Uses "commenced" for a more formal tone, indicating the beginning of something.

it was in the process of becoming

Highlights the gradual development or transformation of something.

it had started to become

Implies that a change began in the past and continues to the present.

it was gradually becoming

Emphasizes the slow and steady transformation over time.

it was about to be

Shifts the focus to imminent occurrence, suggesting something is on the verge of happening.

it grew to be

Focuses on the progressive development and eventual state of something.

it was turning into

Suggests a change, often implying a complete transformation.

it evolved into

Indicates a gradual development from one state to another.

FAQs

What does "it started to be" mean?

The phrase "it started to be" indicates the beginning of a particular state or condition. It suggests a gradual change or development over time.

How can I use "it started to be" in a sentence?

You can use "it started to be" to describe the onset of a feeling, a situation, or a process. For example, "After the initial excitement, "it started to be" more challenging than we expected."

What can I say instead of "it started to be"?

You can use alternatives like "it began to be", "it was starting to be", or "it commenced to be", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "it started to be" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it started to be" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard English sentence structure of subject + verb + infinitive.