started coming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started coming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the beginning of an action or event where something or someone begins to arrive or appear. Example: "As the sun began to set, the stars started coming out one by one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Interest

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Started coming in new metal….

The New Yorker

They just started coming.

The Guardian - Sport

The tears started coming.

The New York Times - Sports

"Then they started coming.

The New Yorker

And these plays just started coming out.

The Economist

She started coming out of her shell.

The New York Times - Sports

I started coming in late to work.

The New Yorker

And the pieces started coming together".

The New York Times - Sports

People started coming earlier and earlier.

The New York Times

And then the boats started coming.

The New Yorker

That's when the hits started coming".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started coming" with abstract subjects (e.g., 'the ideas started coming'), ensure that the sentence maintains a clear and logical flow.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "started coming" in passive constructions where the subject is unclear or the action is weakened. Instead, actively state who or what initiated the arrival or event. For example, prefer 'People started coming' over 'It started coming'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started coming" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action or a state. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a standard English construction. The examples showcase its use in describing the beginning of arrivals, appearances, or inflows of various kinds.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Sports

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started coming" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the beginning of an arrival, appearance, or influx. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of avoiding passive constructions and consider more formal alternatives when appropriate. The related phrases offer options to fine-tune the nuance of your writing, ensuring clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began arriving

Emphasizes the physical arrival of something or someone.

began appearing

Focuses on the start of something becoming visible or noticeable.

commenced to arrive

A more formal way of saying began arriving.

initiated appearance

Highlights the start or launch of an appearance process.

began to emerge

Suggests a gradual process of becoming visible or known.

initiated arrival

Highlights the start or launch of an arrival process.

began to flow

Implies a continuous movement or influx.

commenced its journey

Suggests a more elaborate arrival or action.

made its debut

Emphasizes the first appearance or introduction.

materialized

Describes an appearance as if from nowhere.

FAQs

What does "started coming" mean?

"Started coming" indicates the beginning of an arrival, appearance, or influx. It suggests that something or someone has begun to move toward a particular place or state.

How can I use "started coming" in a sentence?

You can use "started coming" to describe the onset of various phenomena. For example: "After the announcement, the applications "began arriving"" or "As the music played, the memories "began surfacing"".

What are some alternatives to "started coming"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "began arriving", "began appearing", or "began emerging".

Is "started coming" formal or informal?

"Started coming" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain situations. For example, consider using "commenced to arrive" in formal context.