it started to grow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it started to grow" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the beginning of an increase or development in size, quantity, or intensity. Example: "At first, the plant seemed small, but soon it started to grow rapidly in the warm sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It was only when Argentina broke its currency peg with the dollar that it started to grow and its deficit came down".

Independent

Its importance was illustrated further in E. coli ΔglmS, it started to grow in M9 minimal medium when the yeast extract was added to it, which might contain glucosamine at a trace level.

Plosone

Then it started to grow.

The New York Times

And then – slowly but surely – it started to grow.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But from then on, it started to grow.

The New Yorker

The body and the long legs, and then it started to grow three heads, distinctly giraffelike.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

In observational studies, they monitor each plant in its natural setting as it starts to grow, taking note year after year of the temperature and other environmental conditions.

Science Magazine

"It is only afterward that, like Mr. Sheridan's other films, it starts to grow into something at once unassuming and in its own way grand".

The New York Times - Arts

Chances are you will eat it all before it starts to grow mold.

The New York Times - Food

Every time it starts to grow, it snaps off, tries again and fails.

The Guardian - Sport

It starts out slowly, and most people don't hear of it, and then it starts to grow.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it started to grow" to describe the initial phase of development or increase in size, quantity, or intensity. Ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to.

Common error

Avoid vague references by ensuring that "it" has a clear and immediate antecedent. If the subject is unclear, revise the sentence to explicitly state what is growing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it started to grow" functions as a verb phrase indicating the beginning of a process of increase or development. Examples in Ludwig show it used across diverse contexts, from describing economic growth to biological processes. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it started to grow" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the beginning of an increase, expansion, or development. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is versatile and appears across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. To enhance clarity, ensure that "it" has a clear antecedent. While "it started to grow" is generally neutral, alternatives like "it began to flourish" can add nuance. Awareness of context and audience ensures its effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it began to flourish

Replaces "started" with "began" and "grow" with "flourish", suggesting a more vibrant and successful beginning.

it commenced to expand

Uses "commenced" for a more formal tone than "started" and replaces "grow" with "expand", focusing on physical increase.

it initiated its growth

Substitutes "started" with "initiated" and rephrases "to grow" as "its growth", offering a slightly more formal and structured tone.

it underwent initial expansion

Replaces "started to grow" with "underwent initial expansion", emphasizing the process of expanding from the beginning.

it saw its genesis

Uses a more literary tone, replacing "started to grow" with "saw its genesis", suggesting the origin or beginning of something.

it sprouted

A more concise alternative that implies a rapid beginning of growth, particularly suitable for plants or new ventures.

it took root

Implies a firm and stable beginning of growth or establishment, often used metaphorically.

it germinated

Similar to "sprouted" but with a slightly more formal or scientific connotation, suggesting the start of development from a seed or idea.

it unfolded

Suggests a gradual and progressive development or growth, often used for events or stories.

it budded

Similar to "sprouted" but specific to the initial growth of buds on plants, also used metaphorically for the beginning of new ideas or projects.

FAQs

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

Use "it started to grow" to describe the beginning of an increase or development. For example, "After the rain, "it started to grow" rapidly." Ensure that "it" clearly refers to a specific subject.

What are some alternatives to "it started to grow"?

You can use alternatives such as "it began to flourish", "it commenced to expand", or "it initiated its growth" depending on the context.

Is "it started to grow" formal or informal?

"It started to grow" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What's the difference between "it started to grow" and "it began to grow"?

The difference is minimal. "It began to grow" is a slightly more formal alternative to ""it started to grow"", but they are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the overall tone of the writing.