started getting

USAGE SUMMARY

"started getting" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has begun to receive, experience, or acquire something. For example: "After missing the bus twice, I started getting frustrated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I started getting paid.

Independent

He started getting healthier".

The New York Times - Sports

Everything started getting better".

The New York Times

He started getting old.

The New York Times

Suddenly he started getting dressed.

The New Yorker

Soon I started getting paid.

The New York Times

But I started getting antsy.

The Guardian

Then everything started getting unhinged.

The New Yorker

Wally started getting hot.

The New York Times - Sports

I started getting callbacks.

The New Yorker

"It started getting scary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started getting" to indicate the beginning of an ongoing process or experience, not for a single, completed action. For example, use it to describe "I started getting nervous" rather than "I started getting the package (delivered yesterday)".

Common error

Avoid using "started getting" in unnecessarily passive constructions. Instead of saying "The project started getting delayed", try "The project started to be delayed" or, even better, revise it to an active voice: "Delays began to affect the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started getting" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement or initiation of an action, state, or experience. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used to describe the beginning of various sensations, acquisitions, or processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started getting" is a common and versatile verb phrase used to indicate the beginning of an action, experience, or state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informality, making it suitable for both casual and professional communication. Remember to use "started getting" for ongoing processes and avoid overly passive constructions for clearer, more impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began receiving

Focuses more on the act of receiving something.

initiated experiencing

Highlights the beginning of an experience.

commenced obtaining

More formal and emphasizes the act of acquiring.

started to feel

Focuses specifically on emotions or sensations.

found myself

Emphasizes a personal experience or realization.

turned into

Implies a gradual change or transformation.

picked up

Implies acquiring something, often informally or casually.

became subject to

Indicates being affected by something.

developed a habit of

Suggests a repetitive action or behavior.

entered a state of

Highlights transitioning into a specific condition.

FAQs

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

Use "started getting" to describe the commencement of an ongoing process, feeling, or reception of something. For example, "I "started getting nervous" before the presentation".

What are some alternatives to "started getting"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "began receiving", "commenced obtaining", or "initiated experiencing".

Is it grammatically correct to say "started to get" instead of "started getting"?

Both "started getting" and "started to get" are grammatically correct, but "started getting" often implies a more continuous or gradual process, while "started to get" can suggest a more specific instance. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "began getting" and "started getting"?

"Began getting" and "started getting" are often interchangeable, with "began getting" carrying a slightly more formal tone. Use them to describe the initiation of an action, sensation, or state, with the choice largely based on stylistic preference.