start to feel

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start to feel" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the beginning of an emotional or physical sensation. Example: "As the sun began to set, I started to feel a sense of calm wash over me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Did it ever start to feel routine?

The New York Times

I start to feel guilty.

The Guardian - Tech

"You start to feel guilty".

The New York Times

I start to feel weird".

The New York Times

"It'll start to feel like a memory".

The Guardian

This can start to feel stressful".

The Guardian

Now I start to feel it.

The New York Times

I start to feel I am.

The Guardian - Books

I start to feel really sleepy now.

The New Yorker

Eventually, they would start to feel uncomfortable.

The New York Times - Travel

Will I start to feel tense?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the intensity or suddenness of the feeling, consider using "suddenly felt" or "instantly felt" instead.

Common error

Vary your sentence structure to avoid repetitive use of "start to feel". Too many instances in a paragraph can make your writing sound monotonous. Use synonyms or rephrase to introduce variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start to feel" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement or initial stage of experiencing a particular emotion, sensation, or state of being. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, being found across various source types.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

27%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "start to feel" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that denotes the initiation of an emotional or physical experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts, especially news and media. When writing, remember to use it to describe the initial stages of a sensation and be mindful of overuse. Alternatives like "begin to sense" or "become aware of" can add variety to your writing. The phrase holds a neutral register, making it suitable for most writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to experience

Focuses on the broader act of experiencing, not necessarily just emotions or sensations.

become aware of

Emphasizes the realization or consciousness of a feeling or sensation.

sense the beginning of

Focuses on an intuitive or sensory awareness of something starting.

commence to sense

More formal and emphasizes the initial perception through the senses.

begin to perceive

Similar to 'commence to sense', focusing on sensory perception.

notice the onset of

Highlights the awareness of something beginning, often used for symptoms or effects.

develop a sense of

Suggests a gradual unfolding or evolution of a feeling.

get the impression of

Implies a subjective feeling or understanding, not necessarily based on concrete evidence.

find oneself feeling

Highlights the involuntary nature of the feeling, as if it's happening unexpectedly.

recognize the emergence of

Formal and emphasizes the identification of something new arising.

FAQs

How can I use "start to feel" in a sentence?

You can use "start to feel" to describe the beginning of an emotion or physical sensation. For instance, "After the rain stopped, I "started to feel" a sense of peace."

What are some alternatives to "start to feel"?

Alternatives include phrases like "begin to sense", "become aware of", or "notice the onset of", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "begin to feel" instead of "start to feel"?

Yes, "begin to feel" is a perfectly acceptable alternative. Both phrases convey a similar meaning of something commencing.

What's the difference between "start to feel" and "suddenly feel"?

"Start to feel" suggests a gradual onset, while "suddenly feel" implies a more immediate and unexpected sensation. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the gradual or abrupt nature of the feeling.