start spotting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start spotting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are beginning to notice or identify something, often in relation to observing or detecting specific details or patterns. Example: "As the project progressed, I began to start spotting errors in the data that needed correction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Though these anti-inflammatory medications can help with period cramps, stop taking them if you start spotting, as they can cause longer periods of spotting or bleeding.

WikiHow

Look for them and you'll soon start spotting them everywhere, from newspapers to snatches of overheard conversation.

The Guardian

You start spotting the potential for bad behaviour, but it also trains you to look at people and the way they interact.' We meet in the offices of his production company Red Mullet.

The Guardian - Film

No sooner is your 'safari' under way than you start spotting the free-roaming animals - gazelles, wildebeest and giraffes around the first corner, then elephants and a white rhino.

The Guardian - Travel

But astronomers didn't start spotting them until a half-century ago--after the advent of radio telescopes, which are able to detect cold, neutral hydrogen gas.

Science Magazine

As more and more of this information comes in, and more and more companies start to work with Pilot, they can start spotting trends in the industry.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

are lofted by the plume of the fire and then transported forward by the wind landing where they can start spot fires downwind.

Fire Safety Journal

The night before my next ultrasound I started spotting.

The New York Times

Then, when I was twentysomething, I started spotting again.

Independent

I started spotting this type of guy here and there downtown in April 2009.

The New York Times

I went through his whole collection and started spotting all the rock tracks that had been sampled.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "start spotting", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being observed or detected. Specificity enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While acceptable, "start spotting" can sound informal. In academic or professional contexts, consider stronger verbs like "detect", "discern", or "identify" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start spotting" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an act of observation or detection. It suggests the initial phase of noticing something, as seen in Ludwig's examples where it is used in contexts ranging from identifying patterns to recognizing potential behaviors.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start spotting" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate the beginning of noticing or identifying something. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its frequency is uncommon, and it leans towards informality. Its presence is more prevalent in news, Wiki, and scientific contexts. When writing, ensure the context is clear about what's being observed and consider more formal alternatives like "begin to notice" or "commence observing" in academic or professional settings. This nuanced approach will help you use the phrase effectively while maintaining the appropriate tone for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to notice

Replaces "start" with "begin", offering a slightly more formal tone.

begin identifying

Replaces start with begin, making a synonymous variation of the main query

commence observing

Substitutes both verbs for more formal alternatives, increasing the level of formality.

initiate detection

Focuses on the action of detection with a formal tone.

start to observe

Adds "to" between "start" and "observe" which changes the grammatical structure and makes it more broad

become aware of

Shifts the focus to gaining awareness rather than actively spotting.

recognize initially

Highlights the initial act of recognition.

first identify

Emphasizes the primary action of identifying something.

detect early signs of

Highlights the action of detect something in the very first stage or phase.

notice initially

Emphasizes the starting point of noticing the element

FAQs

How can I use "start spotting" in a sentence?

"Start spotting" is used to indicate the beginning of noticing or identifying something. For example, "After studying the data for a few hours, I started spotting patterns."

What's a more formal alternative to "start spotting"?

In formal contexts, you can use phrases like "begin to notice", "commence observing", or "initiate detection" for a more professional tone.

Is "start spotting" appropriate for academic writing?

While not incorrect, "start spotting" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using more precise and formal verbs like "identify", "discern", or "detect".

What's the difference between "start spotting" and "become aware of"?

"Start spotting" implies a more active and intentional observation, while "become aware of" suggests a more passive realization. "I started spotting errors" suggests actively looking for them, whereas "I became aware of errors" suggests they were noticed without specific effort.