start to matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "start to matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the point at which something becomes significant or important. Example: "As the project progressed, the details began to start to matter more than we initially thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Collaborative features will start to matter more in winning deals.

The New York Times

And China's target, in particular, could soon start to matter.

The Economist

"But as gifts become major, tax implications start to matter".

The New York Times

Bourgeois comforts like savings accounts and paid vacations start to matter.

The New York Times

As soon as it matters at all, though, it can quickly start to matter a lot.

The Economist

But as attention shifts towards the presidential horse race, the parties will start to matter less.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

But it's starting to matter.

The Guardian - Tech

Every ten pounds starts to matter.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Only a few big companies are starting to matter".

The New York Times - Tech

But at some point, it starts to matter".

The New Yorker

The contest started to matter more, even though we all cared less.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "start to matter" when describing a shift in importance or relevance, especially when something was previously insignificant. For example: "As the deadline approached, details started to matter more."

Common error

While "start to matter" is generally acceptable, in highly formal or academic writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "become significant" or "gain relevance" for enhanced precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "start to matter" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject is beginning to gain importance or significance. Ludwig examples show it used to describe a shift in relevance or consideration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "start to matter" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is beginning to gain importance or relevance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While acceptable in most situations, consider using more formal alternatives such as "become important" or "gain relevance" in academic or professional writing. Using "start to matter" effectively involves recognizing the shift in significance and tailoring the language to suit the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to be significant

Changes the verb from "start" to "begin" and replaces "matter" with the synonym "significant".

become important

Replaces "start to matter" with a more direct expression of increasing importance.

gain relevance

Focuses on the aspect of relevance rather than general importance.

assume importance

Highlights the act of taking on importance.

take on significance

Emphasizes the gradual process of something becoming significant.

grow in importance

Suggests a gradual increase in importance over time.

rise in prominence

Implies a rise to a more noticeable or influential position.

enter the equation

Suggests that something previously irrelevant is now a factor to be considered.

come into play

Indicates that something is now having an effect or influence.

become a factor

Emphasizes the role of something as a contributing element.

FAQs

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

You can use "start to matter" to indicate when something becomes important or significant. For example, "Once the budget was finalized, the details "began to matter" more."

What are some alternatives to "start to matter"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "become important", "gain relevance", or "assume significance".

When is it appropriate to use "start to matter" in writing?

It's appropriate when describing a transition from a state of insignificance to one of importance. Consider the formality of your writing; more formal contexts might benefit from synonyms.

What's the difference between "start to matter" and "begin to matter"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Start to matter" implies a commencement, while "begin to matter" can suggest a more gradual onset of importance, but the difference is subtle.