it started to sink

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it started to sink" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something is beginning to submerge or decline, often used metaphorically as well. Example: "As the storm intensified, the boat started to sink, prompting the crew to take immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"It started to sink in during the night," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

When the officers, with all their gear, piled onto the craft, it started to sink.

The New Yorker

Then I started to speak to friends and it started to sink in.

The Guardian - Sport

The ship did not just drift off course, it started to sink.

The Guardian - Sport

"It started to sink in that the old way of doing things was deeply embedded," he said.

The New York Times

It was just banter all the way up to Christmas and then it started to sink in.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"When you get to the point where you know something in-and-out like that," Rostam said, "it starts to sink in and affect who you are".

The New Yorker

"And salty water's actually heavier, so it starts to sink".

The New Yorker

All know that after ten years of salesmanship to lure investment, there is no one left to bail out Lebanon if it starts to sink.

The Economist

"After it starts to sink in, you get angry because you understand what those boys went through -- to be threatened, intimidated and fearful for your safety.

The New York Times

Alan S. Blinder, a professor of economics at Princeton who was vice chairman of the Federal Reserve in the mid-1990'saidaIf, "If the message is loud enough and persistent enough, it starts to sink in and may have effects around the edges".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it started to sink" when describing a gradual realization or understanding of a situation, or the beginning of a negative trend. Ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a literal sinking or a metaphorical one.

Common error

While "it started to sink" is acceptable, in formal writing, consider using more precise language to convey the specific nature of the realization or decline. Alternatives like "it became evident" or "the decline commenced" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it started to sink" functions as a clause, often acting as part of a larger sentence to describe the commencement of a process of decline or realization. As seen in examples provided by Ludwig, it can refer to both literal and metaphorical "sinking".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it started to sink" is a versatile expression used to describe the onset of either a physical submersion or a metaphorical realization or decline. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound. With a neutral register, its applications span from news reports to more casual contexts, although more precise language may be preferred in formal writing. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase effectively marks a transition, signaling the beginning of a negative trend or the initial phase of comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it began to dawn

This alternative refers to the beginning of realization or understanding of something.

it began to register

This phrase refers to the start of something becoming noticed or understood.

it began to take hold

This expresses the start of something becoming established or having an effect.

it began to decline

This alternative refers to the beginning of a decrease or deterioration.

it commenced to fail

This expresses the commencement of failing or not succeeding.

it initiated its descent

This refers to the beginning of a downward movement or decline.

it became apparent

This expresses the moment something became clear or obvious.

it turned for the worse

This phrase refers to the beginning of a change to a worse state or condition.

the gravity became clear

This alternative stresses the moment when seriousness is understood.

the penny dropped

This idiom refers to the moment of sudden realization or understanding.

FAQs

What does "it started to sink" mean?

The phrase "it started to sink" typically describes the beginning of a downward trend or the gradual realization of something, either literally, like a ship sinking, or metaphorically, like a project failing.

What are some synonyms for "it started to sink"?

Synonyms for "it started to sink" include phrases like "it began to dawn", "it became apparent", or "it began to decline depending" on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it started to sink in"?

Yes, "it started to sink in" is a correct and commonly used phrase. It means that something is beginning to be understood or realized after a period of time.

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

You can use "it started to sink" in a sentence like, "As the bad news continued, it started to sink in that the company might not survive" or "When the boat took on more water, it started to sink quickly".